Sunderland VS Doncaster – Match Preview

On Saturday 5th February, The Black Cats’ will take on Doncaster in front of a bumper crowd at The Stadium of Light.

This match is being branded ‘The Defoe Homecoming’ and Sunderland fans couldn’t be more happy.

The signing of Jermain Defoe, came at a time that the Sunderland supporters were in desperate need of a boost after the 6-0 thrashing from last week to Bolton.

Sunderland have only won 1 of their last 6 games which led to the sacking of head coach Lee Johnson earlier in the week.

A huge 35,000 tickets have reportedly been sold already for the game, with the club announcing that £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation for ‘Defoe’s Homecoming’ match.

The Black Cats’ will be hoping to use this game go turn a corner as we approach the crunch end of the season.

Sunderland’s search for a manager continues going into this game with former manager Roy Keane being first choice at the moment according to reports.

Doncaster Rovers, who sit bottom of League 1 currently also got hammered last week, suffering a 5-0 defeat to Sunderland’s promotion rivals, Rotherham at home.

However, Donny did win their last away game against MK Dons 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joseph Dodoo.

Doncaster have only won 1 of their last 10 games in the league as they look doomed for relegation.

Team News

Sunderland – New signing Jermain Defoe is expected to be in the squad, most likely starting on the bench as he hasn’t played in a few months.

Jay Matete could also be in contention to make his debut.

January signings Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke could be given their first start as Sunderland may try to reshuffle their starting XI in a bid to turn things round after recent poor performances.

Sunderland may also be expected to play a flat back 4 again, despite the poor results so far this season playing that formation, after the departure of Tom Flanagan and no replacement coming in.

Alex Pritchard is also expected to come back into the starting lineup as he works to get back to full fitness after playing with a knock at a time we had a depleted squad.

Doncaster – Defender Ro-Shaum Williams is back in contention after starting on the bench on Tuesday night as he returns to fitness.

Also, experienced midfielder, Dan Gardner, is back in full training, and could feature at some point tomorrow.

Former Sunderland youth defender, Ollie Younger, has been a regular starter for Donny since securing his move to the club earlier this month.

Predictions

Score – Sunderland 3-1 Doncaster

Scorers – Ross Stewart x2, Jermain Defoe.