This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Fan Perspective’ series, this content strand is where we deliver an opinion-based outlook from the perspective of a certain club's fanbase on the matter at hand...

Sunderland fans would have every reason to be irritated by the fact that their game against Fleetwood Town has been moved due to international duties for some of the players. Although it could be seen as a positive that Sunderland have players of the required level to be called up to the international teams, it will not help with Sunderland’s already congested fixture list.

The Black Cats are currently still competing in League One, the Carabao cup, the Checkatrade trophy and will compete in the FA cup when it comes around as well. They have become accustomed to playing 3 matches a week and this can take its toll on the side through injuries and suspensions.

Furthermore, fixture congestion can cause problems for fans who wish to support the club as often they would struggle to make long midweek journeys and the addition of another fixture that will most likely be played in midweek does not help these circumstances.

The exact Sunderland statement read: “Sunderland AFC supporters are advised that the club’s upcoming fixture against Fleetwood Town has been postponed.”

“The Sky Bet League One game falls within a period designated for international fixtures, and as three or more players have now been selected by their respective nations, the club made the request to the EFL to postpone the fixture, which they duly granted.”

“Originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 12 October, the Wearside clash will now be rescheduled, with further details to follow in due course.”

The statement shows that the Sunderland hierarchy asked for the game to be rescheduled, suggesting that they are less concerned about the issue of fixture congestion.

The Wearside club has had a mixed start to their second League One campaign, finding themselves 5th, but still below where their pre-season expectations would have been aiming. Perhaps the position of Fleetwood in the league also had an impact on the decision to request a postponement – with Joey Barton’s side sitting in 3rd position after the opening 10 games of the season. Combined with the fact that Sunderland are due to travel to second placed Wycombe in the following game, the decision to postpone may also have its benefits depending on when the fixture is rescheduled for.

As the Christmas period approaches, fixture lists will continue to become more hectic with games being postponed due to international breaks, cup progression and possibly adverse weather conditions and as a result, Sunderland fans are rightly worried about the impact that early postponements will have on their future fixture congestion and performances.