Sunderland will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship for the first time this season as they take on Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Black Cats are coming into the game on the back of a dogged away win at Huddersfield on Wednesday night. Inconsistency has been Sunderland’s downfall this season; they have won, drawn and lost six games, leaving them in the middle of the Championship pack, in 13th.
Cardiff were also in action midweek, they lost to a Watford side who are back on the up since the appointment of Slavan Bilic. The Bluebirds will be eager to get back to winning ways, though they have only won twice on the road this season.
Team News
Sunderland will be bolstered by the return of Jack Clarke who returns from a one-match suspension. The winger is the leading assister in the division, with six assists to his name this season. Ellis Simms played the second half on Wednesday night, though Head Coach Tony Mowbray said that it is still a gamble as to whether or not to start the loanee striker. It is expected that Edouard Michut will remain sidelined, he tweaked his groin in the draw at Luton last weekend.
Rubin Colwill could feature for the first time under interim manager Mark Hudson, the Welsh playmaker has been injured for the last month. Striker Callum Robinson will serve the third and final game of his suspension after his red card in the South-Wales derby against Swansea.
Ones to Watch:
SAFC: Amad
The Manchester United loanee has scored twice in his last three games and is starting to show why the Red Devils forked out over £20million for him. Quick, skilful and good on both feet, The Ivorian will want to continue his good form.
CCFC: Cedric Kipre
Another Ivorian, this time a defender. Kipre scored on Tuesday night and impressed despite defeat. He will win a lot of the physical duels on Saturday.
Predicted Lineups
SAFC: Patterson; O’Nien, Wright, Batth, Cirkin; Evans, Embleton; Roberts, Pritchard, Amad; Simms
CCFC: Allsop; Nelson, Ng, Kipre, Nkounkou; Ralls, Rinomhota, Sawyers; Philogene-Bidace, Etete, O’Dowda
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