Sunderland VS Gillingham – Match Preview

Preview

The Black Cats’ face Gillingham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as they start a vital run-in to seek a play-off place come the end of the season.

The lads were allowed to have a 2 week resting period as their match was postponed against Rotherham due to the number of international call ups.

Sunderland are going in to the game on decent form as they are unbeaten in their last 6 games.

However, during those 6 games they have only come out victorious 3 times and as the end of the season approaches, it is vital that they turn those draws into wins immediately.

Gillingham have only won 2 of their last 5 games and sit 19th in the table, just 4 points above relegation.

It could prove to be a difficult game for the Black Cats’ as it is a very important time of the season for both teams at opposite ends of the table.

Sunderland key man Alex Pritchard has been back in training this week and they will hope that he can play a part on Saturday as the Black Cats’ have been missing his creativity in recent weeks.

The Black Cats’ will need to be weary of Gillingham’s main man Vadaine Oliver, who has 13 goal contributions so far this season, 6 more than anyone else so far for the Gills.

Team News

Sunderland prepare for their first game without veteran Jermain Defoe, who retired last week after a slightly disappointing spell on Wearside.

Alex Pritchard could feature after returning to training this week following his injury.

Nathan Broadhead is also back training during the international break and could also feature on Saturday.

Forgotten man Benji Kimpioka has left to Join Swedish team AIK for an undisclosed fee.

Prediction

Score – 3-1

Scorers – Ross Stewart, Jack Clarke and Dan Neil.