Sunderland return to Sky Bet Championship action on Good Friday following the conclusion of the international break, Mike Dodds’ side travel to Wales to face in-form Cardiff City.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Opposition
Cardiff City sit 11th in the Sky Bet Championship table with 53 points from 38 games. The Bluebirds have collected 16 wins, five draws and suffered 17 defeats so far this campaign.
Erol Bulut’s team have lost just one of their last six fixtures and sit five points clear of the Black Cats – A 2-0 derby day defeat against Swansea City their only loss since late February.
The hosts have struggled for consistency in front of goal, with right-back Perry Ng being the club’s joint top goalscorer alongside forward Kion Etete with six goals.
In terms of all-round contribution in the attacking third, midfielder Joe Ralls is one to watch having provided seven assists in 25 starts so far.
In their last head-to-head at the Cardiff City Stadium, Dennis Cirkin’s 60th-minute header was enough to claim a 1-0 win and all three points.
Team News
Mike Dodds welcomes back captain Corry Evans following a serious knee injury sustained 15 months ago. Defender Luke O’Nien also returns following the completion of his two-game suspension.
Bradley Dack and Aji Alese have recently completed minutes at Under 21 level and are therefore in contention for a return to the matchday squad.
Winger Patrick Roberts could make an appearance over the bank holiday weekend having returned to first-team training over the international break.
Long-term absentees Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins, Jack Clarke, Elliot Embleton, and Jenson Seelt continue to be ruled out.
Around the grounds
Friday
Bristol City vs Leicester City (12:30pm)
Millwall vs West Bromwich Albion (1pm)
Huddersfield Town vs Coventry City (3pm)
Southampton vs Middlesbrough (3pm)
Hull City vs Stoke City (3pm)
Norwich City vs Plymouth Argyle (3pm)
Preston North End vs Rotherham United (3pm)
Queens Park Ranger vs Birmingham City (3pm)
Sheffield Wednesday vs Swansea City (3pm)
Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town (5:30pm)
Watford vs Leeds United (8pm)
Streaming
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