As Sunderland’s warm weather training camp in Dubai nears its conclusion, the Lads are in friendly action this evening against Saudi Arabian giants Al-Shabab - KO1pm (GMT).
After a week of double sessions in the intense heat, tonight’s game provides the players with the opportunity to build on match sharpness ahead of next weekend’s return to Championship football against Millwall.
Here is a breakdown of tonight’s opposition, how the Lads are shaping up along with ticketing and streaming details…
All about Al-Shabab
Background:
- Founded - 1947
- Nickname - Al-Leith (White Lion)
- Ground - Prince Khalid bin Sultan Stadium (Capacity: 15,000)
- Head coach - Vicente Moreno
Stats:
- Al-Shabab currently top the Saudi Pro League after eight games and remain unbeaten in the league this season (W7, D1, L0).
- Vicente Moreno’s side are the top scorers (20) in the division and have conceded the joint fewest goals (2).
- Brazilian winger Carlos Junior is the division’s top scorer this season with seven goals in eight games. He has scored 11 in 11 games in all competitions.
History:
- Al-Shabab were the first ever winners of the Saudi Pro League when it was founded in 1991.
- They are the only team to have won the division in three consecutive years (1991, 1992, 1993).
Players in focus:
- Aaron Boupendza: A Gabon international striker who recently made the £7m switch to Saudi Arabia in the summer. He has scored three goals in six games.
- Santi Mina: On loan from Celta Vigo, 26-year-old Mina has played the majority of his football in his native Spain. In 2015, he made an 10m euro switch to Valencia signing a six year contract.
- Ever Bonega: The former Athletico Madrid, Valencia, Inter Milan and Seville midfielder has been playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Shabab for two years. At 34-years-old, Bonega has made over 650 appearances including 65 caps for Argentina.
- Grzegorz Krychowiak: The distinguised Polish midfielder has had a decorated career playing in France, Spain and England with the likes of PSG, Seville and West Brom. However, he will not be available for today's friendly due to his commitments with Poland at the World Cup.
Team News
Head coach Tony Mowbray is expected to give every member of his playing squad minutes in this evening’s showdown in a bid to ensure peak fitness ahead of their return to league action next weekend.
Aji Alese and Lynden Gooch has been involved in first-team training this week after making recent recoveries. Ross Stewart is not expected to be involved this evening while Dan Ballard continues his rehabilitation from a foot fracture.
Ticketing
The fixture will be played at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence and tickets will be available via the venue only, priced at 80AED for adults and 30AED for Under-16s.
Supporters are advised that tickets will not be available from the Stadium of Light Ticket Office.
Streaming
Fans following the action from Wearside and elsewhere in the world will be able to tune in to SAFC Live, with streaming passes now on sale for £7.50 by clicking here.