Sunderland travel to Stoke’s renamed ground, Bet365 Stadium, in search for their first win of the season.
Awaiting them will be fellow struggling Stoke, who at 19th place are just one point above Sunderland. Is it too soon to say this is a relegation match?
A win for Sunderland in their 139th fixture against Stoke could see the Black Cats move up to 17th, however a win for the home side would see Stoke move up to 16th.
Team News
Stoke’s thirteen million pound midfielder Joe Allen is likely a major doubt to face Sunderland due to the seriousness of an unsustainable hamstring problem that caused him to miss Wales’ 1-1 mid week draw with international side Georgia.
Further disappointing news for the home side is that, another former Liverpool player, Glen Johnson has been ruled out for up to a month with a thigh injury therefore he won’t be an option for Mark Hughes’ defensive line.
The visitors Sunderland have broken the news that Lamine Kone is nursing a tight hamstring injury and could miss the game, while fellow defender Jason Denayer is out with a muscle tear. This leaves a back-line very much lacking options and could rely on new signings Mcnair and Love to show their worth.
However, good news is that Steven Pienaar and Victor Anichebe are both fit again and may be included in the match day squad. This would be Anichebe’s first game for Sunderland since signing on a free.
