Following the conclusion of the final international break of 2022-23, Sunderland are back in Sky Bet Championship action on Friday night to take on Burnley at Turf Moor (KO 8pm).
As domestic football in the top two divisions returns to the forefront, a tough test away at the league leaders will provide Tony Mowbray’s Lads an opportunity to make a statement.
Team news
Mowbray has confirmed that upon Dan Ballard and Jewison Bennette’s time away with their respective national teams, the duo have picked up injuries.
Ballard is set to miss 2-3 weeks with a hamstring problem incurred on Northern Ireland duty, whilst Bennette’s absence could be longer after dislocating his shoulder whilst away with Costa Rica.
Dennis Cirkin is however nearing a full return, whilst Amad is expected to be involved despite a later arrival from Ivory Coast’s international fixtures.
Opposition
Needing just nine more points to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, Burnley have enjoyed a ruthless season under Vincent Kompany. The Clarets have lost just two of their 37 league games so far, winning 24, and on-loan forward Nathan Tella has hit 17 Championship goals. Burnley are averaging two goals a game, and also maintain the best defence as the only side to so far concede under 30 goals.
Burnley’s last Championship season prior to this term came in 2015-16, which indeed resulted in promotion as champions at the first attempt. Six seasons in the top flight followed, along with an appearance in the UEFA Europa League after finishing in the top seven in 2018. A productive blend of successful new recruits and maintenance of experienced pros has seen Kompany’s side bear the fruits of their labour this year.
The reverse fixture on Wearside back in October saw the Lads roar into a two-goal half-time advantage, but the visitors came back strongly after the break to take a 4-2 win back to Lancashire.
Around the grounds (Sat 3pm unless stated)
Luton vs Watford (Sat 12:30pm)
Preston vs Blackpool (Sat 12:30pm)
Norwich vs Sheffield United
Huddersfield vs Middlesbrough
Hull vs Rotherham
Bristol City vs Reading
Coventry vs Stoke
Cardiff vs Swansea
Wigan vs QPR
West Brom vs Millwall
Birmingham vs Blackburn
Tickets & coverage
Away tickets for this fixture have now sold out.
Friday night’s game at Turf Moor has been selected for live broadcast by Sky Sports. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
As a result of this live broadcast, SAFC Live coverage will only be available to supporters based overseas, via the Live Video tab on safc.com. Audio commentary will be available to all supporters.
Social media coverage will as ever be active via our official pages on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.