Sunderland face Doncaster Rovers on Friday at the Stadium of Light. The game could go along way in deciding each club’s fate come the end of the season. A victory for the Black Cats would see their automatic promotion hopes get back on track. A Rovers win could almost guarantee their place in the playoffs.
Sunderland Host Doncaster Rovers in Huge Game For Both Sides
Huge Game for Both Clubs
This is a game that neither want to lose. Should Sunderland win their remaining games they will be promoted automatically, anything less and they may have to rely on other results going their way. After another disappointing Wembley visit, Sunderland fans would prefer not to face another trip to the capital.
Doncaster Rovers have won their last four games. These 12 points have helped them into sixth place and the last playoff position. It also means that they now have a five-point advantage over seventh-placed Peterborough United. Rovers will be looking to keep at least that five-point advantage going into their last three crucial games.
Black Cats Must Forget Defensive Horror Show
Sunderland scored four goals at home last weekend. However, they were still on the end of a defeat. A defensive nightmare saw Coventry City score five at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats, due to their style of play, are always in danger of conceding goals; however, the squad must forget about last week and concentrate solely on the Rovers game.
Now is not the time to be looking back. The team know that if they win their remaining games the reward would make any disappointment fade away very quickly.
McGeady and Cattermole to Return?
News reported by the Sunderland Echo that will delight fans is that influential duo Aiden McGeady and Lee Cattermole could return to the starting eleven. Both have been missing through injury of late and both have been missed on the field. They have both stepped up their training during the past week; however, of the two, Cattermole is the closest to returning. If Jack Ross is not convinced McGeady is ready, a place on the bench may be the best the winger can hope for.
Marquis and Whiteman Passed fit for Rovers
Midfielder Ben Whiteman and striker John Marquis have both been passed fit, report the Doncaster Free Press. Whiteman has been missing for a month with an ankle injury. He has been training well and Rovers boss Grant McCann is satisfied with his fitness.
Striker John Marquis missed their last game against Plymouth Argyle with a concussion. Top-scorer Marquis has had a fine season, being the second top scorer in the league, and his return will be a huge boost to Rovers.
Maguire Back in Training
Another player close to returning is Chris Maguire. Like the McGeady and Cattermole news, this will also delight Sunderland fans. The fan favourite has been missing since fracturing his leg, but began light training last week. Should he get through training in the lead up to Friday, he could make the bench.
Recent Form
Sunderland have had an up and down time of late. Their Wembley disappointment was followed by two away victories, at Accrington Stanley and Rochdale respectively. The two home games which followed have resulted in just one point. Ten goals have been scored in the last four games; however, seven have been conceded.
Rovers have won their last four games; three at home and one away. These victories have seen them become favourites to land the last play-off position. During this unbeaten sequence, ten goals have been scored with just two conceded.
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