Sunderland and Accrington Stanley meet for the second time this season this evening under the lights at the Stadium of Light in an epic looking League One clash.
The might of the Black Cats relative to their opponents sets this fixture up well as before the whistle to start proceedings, they are equal on the pitch.
The same can’t be said in the league with Jack Ross’ men fourth in the table and could move within a point of the top two if they see off Stanley tonight.
John Coleman’s men, meanwhile, started the season in fine form but have slowly toppled down the table – now just three points above the relegation zone.
A win for the League One debutants could go a long way in securing their third-tier status with the Black Cats aiming to get out of it.
The game at the Crown Ground was abandoned back in November, which was the first time the two sides had met, but a waterlogged pitched scrapped that from the record books.
Stanley will be the 93rd different opponent that Sunderland have faced over the course of their time in the English League system.
Ross’ outfit have lost just once in 22 league games, but have drawn six of their last eight.
Accrington, meanwhile, have failed to score in their last six matches – the longest run in England right now
Failing to score has seen them fail to win in that time, losing four times – recording just two wins in their last ten matches.
Ahead of the game, Sky Sports issues some early team news from both camps.
For the hosts, they could have Lee Cattermole return to the side having missed the last two matches through injury.
Max Power should be back in the side after missing the midweek draw with Blackpool due to his partner giving birth.
Left-back Bryan Oviedo is a doubt having returned to training after a calf problem, but this weekend could be a game too soon.
Duncan Watmore, Glenn Loovens and Donald Love are all still on the sidelines and will definitely miss out this evening.
To the visitors now, and Sky are suggesting that Coleman could mix his side up a bit as he looks to get his team back on the goal train to earn three points.
Dan Barlaser returned from suspension last weekend and will once again be involved, but Ross Sykes could miss out having limped off previously.
Okera Simmonds could be in line to make his Accrington debut having failed to feature so far since his release and subsequent arrival at the Crown Ground.
The verdict
On paper, there is one clear winner, but on current form, it’s anyone’s game.
Accrington have not scored in forever, but Sunderland have not won in a while either.
With the team news coming out it looks as if Ross’ men could be boosted by the return of Cattermole, and that will be a huge boost to them.
Accrington boss Coleman needs to find a formula that works in order to get his side firing once more before they sleepwalk back to League One.