Sunderland and Jack Ross will be absolutely desperate to pick up three points when they host Accrington Stanley tonight. 

The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last nine but have won just three in that time, drawing the remaining six matches and drawing them all 1-1.

That was the scoreline in midweek when they clashed with Blackpool at the Stadium of Light, falling behind early on to an Armand Gnanduillet effort.

Jack Baldwin clawed the home side level 15 minutes from time but, being one of their games in hand on their promotion rivals, it will have felt like a poor result.

They will have the chance to put the pressure on Luton Town, Barnsley and Portsmouth tonight, however, and could close the gap on the top two to just one point.

But how should Ross set up his side for what could be a crucial match in the season?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McLaughlin should, of course, remain in goal and Ross should stick with his settled back four including the impressive O'Nien at right-back.

Leadbitter and Honeyman give them decent balance in those holding midfield roles and will allow the creative and attacking players ahead of them to do their thing.

In that unit, expect a couple of changes. With Duncan Watmore expected to miss out with an injury, Lynden Gooch should be moved into that number ten role with Chris Maguire coming in on the right.

With Aiden Mcgeady on the left it completes a creative trio that worked brilliantly earlier in the season and would surely provide the best possible service for Will Grigg.