Sunderland

Preston North End will look to put an end to their five game winless league streak as they make the trip to Sunderland on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

The Lilywhites narrowly lost to boss Paul Heckingbottom's former side Sheffield United on the weekend to see themselves without a win in the Championship since defeating Norwich City on 11 February (D3 L2).

Sunderland, however, have won their past two games to remain within eight points of the top two and are now 15 points clear of seventh-placed Bristol City in the play-off places.

The Black Cats drew at Preston in a goalless reverse fixture back in November.

• Sunderland have won just two of their last 10 league games (D3 L5) against Preston North End, though one victory came in this exact fixture last season (2-0).

• Preston North End have won just two of their last 23 away league games against Sunderland (D13 L8), though those two wins have come across their last four visits to the Stadium of Light.

• Only Leeds United (2.30) and Burnley (2.27) have averaged more points per game across midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Championship games this season than Sunderland, with the Black Cats averaging 2.11 per game (P9 W5 D4).

• Only Burnley (25) and Leeds United (23) have earned more points in midweek games (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in the Championship this season than Preston (20), with the Lilywhites losing just one of their 11 such games in 2024-25 (W5 D5).

• In his managerial career, Preston's Paul Heckingbottom has never lost a league game against Sunderland in six matches (W4 D2) with four different clubs (Barnsley, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Preston).

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle ahead of the Black Cats' Championship clash at home to Preston North End on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Here are the key takeaways:

• Patrick Roberts is "available to start" after going off with a suspected injury just 24 minutes into the 2-1 win over Cardiff at the weekend.

• Le Bris says Jobe Bellingham has "managed the situation very well" after playing the past three games on nine bookings for the season - one caution away from a two-match suspension. The Preston game is the last match in which he could pick up a ban for 10 yellow cards as the number required extends to 15 after gameweek 37.

• On Chris Mepham becoming the 17th league goalscorer of the season on Saturday: "It's important to find different solutions to score. I think we're good in fast attacks, we have pace at the top of the pitch, we showed it early in the season. If we have only this strength, I think we become predictable so it's important to have different options."

• Wilson Isidor is "frustrated" to have been left out the starting line-up in the past two games.

• Le Bris said: "The conversation was totally open and clear from my point of view. The players want to play, they want to score. But they know we need the full squad to maintain the level. It was important for Eli [Mayenda] as well to get some minutes and to score goals so now we have two very good strikers and I think that's better for us than having only one."

• On facing Preston: "Preston are a good team, they are powerful, they are well connected, we can feel the teamwork. It's a tough game."

• And whether Preston not being in realistic play-off contention or danger of relegation makes a difference: "It's still difficult because if you don't have a risk, you can play with more freedom and be more creative and take more risks. What we can control is the way we play and that's the main focus for us."

Listen to Regis Le Bris' pre-match press conference on BBC Sounds

Image source, Rex Features

Chris Mepham said his first Sunderland goal was reward for his hard work to get back into the side.

The 27-year-old Wales international had started 25 of 26 Black Cats games before being benched for the games against Luton Town, Leeds United and Hull City.

He was recalled by Regis Le Bris at Sheffield Wednesday, and was the match winner in the 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday after scoring in the 77th minute.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Sunderland AFC Podcast: "It was tough because naturally you want to be on the pitch as often as possible and help the team, and I felt like my performances had been decent.

"I had the conversation with the manager and he made it clear that it wasn't directly linked to my performances and it's important to use people like Dan Ballard who have been waiting patiently, and I respected that and understood the decision.

"I think that's why it's been good for me to come back into the team and show what I can do and help the team with two important wins, and, hopefully, I can continue that momentum on in a really important stage of the season."

The former Brentford and Bournemouth player said he tried to set a good example to other players out of the side during his exile.

"It's something I've learned. I've experienced it a few times in my career, being in the team and coming out and feeling that frustration, but I think it's important that you do things properly on the training pitch and apply yourself," he added.

"Coming here I knew that I'd hopefully be an example to younger players and I try and help people like Eli [Mayenda] that are finding it frustrating at times when they're not starting and showing what they're about.

"I think it's important in that moment to help them and use my experience of being left out of the team and channel that in a way that can be positive for the team."

Nick Barnes
BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

Patrick Roberts, by his own admission, would probably feel he could have had a better season than he has had.

By that, I mean he should have got more goals than he has got this season - he has two to his name, one of them from the penalty spot. He should really have a greater return for the skill and the runs he makes into the penalty area.

The other side of that coin is he does work hard on that right wing. He has formed a very good relationship with Trai Hume and Chris Rigg, and the one criticism he has from fans is they want more end product.

That is overlooking the work that he does for the team - assists and drawing defenders to him, and drawing defenders away from that central area.

He is getting in behind teams and getting other players a little bit more space, so sometimes there is a danger of overlooking all the hard work that he does.

He actually does go back and defend a lot. He does work up and down the right wing. He is a very, very hard worker.

Yes, end product, I think he himself admits is something he needs to probably improve, and I do wonder if Enzo Le Fee does move into the No 10 role whether he might become the new Amad for Patrick Roberts.

That is a relationship on the pitch that Roberts really thrived upon. If someone like Le Fee can come into a position alongside him, playing with the sort of magic that he does with his feet, that will feed into the way that Roberts plays as well.

That is what I am hoping for. I can foresee that happening but there will not be many games towards the end of the season for them to work on that particular relationship once Le Fee returns from injury.

You can listen to the full discussion on the Total Sport Sunderland Podcast via BBC Sounds.

Following Sunderland's 2-1 home win over Cardiff City, manager Regis Le Bris reflected on the game on the Total Sport Sunderland AFC Podcast.

Whilst pleased with the result, he stressed the need for consistency as his side look to climb into the automatic play-off places.

The Black Cats remain fourth and still six points behind Burnley in third and eight adrift of Leeds and Sheffield United but crucially that gap wasn't widened.

"We scored early, which is always a good idea and during the first 20 minutes we were really good with the way we want to play – high pressure, a very pro-active defence and with the ball we were sharp, we were quick and the rhythm was high – we created chances," Le Bris said.

"I was a bit disappointed during half time because this question of consistency is really key because if we can maintain this level we would have scored two or three more goals. That part of the game was a little bit strange, we had massive control and we allowed our opponent to score.

"The last stage of the game we were better, but I think it was more a reaction than the massive control and we found a solution so it's positive for us but at the same time we have to build this consistency - to be more dominant."

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris cited that there were "many reasons" winger Ian Poveda has missed so much of the season, leaving room to speculate on whether there was more than just injury contributing to the Colombia international's lack of game time.

Poveda has only made six appearances for the Black Cats so far this season and has now been ruled out for at least three weeks on the sidelines.

Although not all Poveda's absences has been due to fitness as the 25-year-old missed out on Sunderland's 2-0 win over Luton Town in February because of an "internal disciplinary matter" whereby he was late for a team get-together.

"For somebody who has missed so much, you'd think he would be absolutely spot on with everything he's doing," former Sunderland striker Martin Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It makes you question things and what's happened at previous clubs. Sometimes clubs take people on and you get them for a reason because of certain issues at former clubs and you think maybe you can change that.

"But at the minute, it looks like it's not going to happen."

You can listen to the full conversation and more on the Total Sport podcast.

Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda dazzled for the Black Cats in their most recent outing, scoring both goals in the 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday that put an end to their two-match losing run.

Though Mayenda's spot is usually occupied by top scorer Wilson Isidor and, with both on the pitch when Isidor joined the action in the 72rd minute, many were wondering if it is a combination we may come to see more of.

"They are doing well together. They play together sometimes and I say together because I think they are well connected," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We are lucky to have two good strikers with a different style of play and two different personalities. They are pushing one another."

Despite the two working well in tandem, the Frenchman has emphasised that his priority lies in squad management as the season draws closer to a conclusion.

"It's possible [Mayenda and Isidor could play together] but at the same time we have 11 games left to play and we have to manage our short squad," Le Bris added.

"At the moment, I'm more interested to manage everyone rather than putting everyone on the pitch."

Le Bris also confirmed that winger Ian Poveda will be out for "three or four weeks, maybe more" in yet another injury blow for the Colombia international, who has made just six appearances for the Black Cats this season.

You can listen to Le Bris' full press conference on the Total Sport podcast.

Former Sunderland midfielder Kieron Brady believes the Black Cats are not making enough investment into the squad to reach promotion.

The Wearside club did make a high profile addition in January with the loan addition of Roma midfielder Enzo Le Fee, but Brady is critical of the move only being a temporary one.

In comparison, promotion-challengers Sheffield United spent a reported £10m on striker Tom Cannon from Leicester City.

"If the club don't go up this particular season, I would be aghast if there isn't an outcry to the powers that be," Brady told BBC Radio Sunderland.

"One can focus on youth in a positive and productive manner but I think there's an equal and valid argument for saying they are simply trying to do so much on the cheap."

Sunderland have the youngest starting XI in the Championship, with an average age of just 23.

Though Brady is positive about how well the young squad have performed to get them into a play off spot, he believes the popularity of the club should equal more investment in experience.

"The players deserve so much credit for what they've been able to produce this season," he added.

"But you just think that a club that, for example, has the biggest average attendance in the division, or one of them along with Leeds, for the third season in the Championship is stellar but the fourth or fifth lowest in terms of salaries - that doesn't add up."

You can listen to the full interview and more on the Total Sport podcast.

Cardiff City, fresh from a loss to third placed Burnley, will make the trip up to the Stadium of Light on Saturday (15:00 GMT) to take on fourth placed Sunderland.

The Bluebirds are five points clear of the relegation zone but only hover one place above Luton Town in 22nd.

While Sunderland are on the chase for automatic promotion after a win against Sheffield Wednesday put a stop to a two-game losing run, but have now drifted eight points shy of a place in the top two.

• Sunderland have won each of their last two league games against Cardiff City and could win three in succession for the first time since October 1922.

• Cardiff City have won each of their last three away league games against Sunderland, as many victories as across their prior 15 matches combined against the Black Cats (D6 L6).

• After going unbeaten in their first 16 home league games this season, Sunderland lost 1-0 to Hull last time out at the Stadium of Light. They last suffered consecutive home defeats in their final two home games of last season.

• Cardiff have won just one of their last 19 away Championship matches (D9 L9) and have picked up just three points in five games (D3 L2) since their last away win on 29 December against Watford.

• Jobe Bellingham made his 100th Championship appearance in Sunderland's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, becoming the second teenager to play 100+ games since the 2004 rebrand, along with Will Hughes (121). He's also the first player born after the first Championship games on 7 August 2004 to make 100 Championship appearances.

North East football journalist Mark Carruthers predicts that Sunderland are set for another year in the Championship - but that their improvement this season should be reason enough for celebration.

The Black Cats are currently fourth on the table and eight points short of an automatic promotion spot, but are seven points clear in the play-offs race.

Carruthers, though, doesn't see Sunderland being joyous at Wembley on 24 May should their promotion hopes come down to the one-off showpiece.

"I think they will get to the play-off final but I think they will lose it," he told BBC Radio Sunderland.

"I think you have to look at the bigger picture with Sunderland and look at how far they've come this season from where they were last year.

"The progress from where they were 12 months ago is monumental."

Sunderland finished 16th last season with 56 points, a total the current side have already surpassed under Regis Le Bris, with 65 from 35 matches.

You can listen to the full interview and more on the Total Sport podcast.

Sunderland midfielders Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg have been named joint best young men's player at the North East Football Writer's awards.

The pair received the same amount of votes after impressing under boss Regis Le Bris, each making 31 appearances for the Black Cats this season.

Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams has been particularly impressed with 19-year-old Bellingham's improvement.

"Last season, I said I don't think Jobe's work rate was there, but this season he's changed that. He's been a massive, massive part of this season," Williams told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The two lads, they stand out. They're amazing talents and obviously got a bright future."

Bellingham made his debut for England Under-21s team in November and is rumoured to have caught the attention of senior boss Thomas Tuchel.

Sunderland next face Cardiff City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

You can listen to the full interview and more on the Total Sport podcast.

Could a front-two combination of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda work wonders at Sunderland?

Mayenda impressed with his double against Sheffield Wednesday last time out but faces a tough task to break into the starting line-up given boss Regis Le Bris' favoured 4-3-3 formation.

"They are both quick, they play on the shoulder - they are a nightmare for centre-backs," former Black Cats defender Danny Collins told BBC Radio Sunderland.

The Wearsiders next host relegation-threatened Cardiff City on Saturday, before welcoming Preston North End three days later.

But with the Bluebirds facing Sunderland's promotion rivals Burnley on Tuesday while the Black Cats enjoy a midweek free of competitive football, Collins thinks the weekend might be the perfect time to try out a 4-4-2 line-up.

"Why not go with it?" he said. "Go with a two-man midfield, maybe Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil. Romaine Mundle on the wing, maybe Patrick Roberts on the right.

"What don't you like as a centre-back or a full-back? It's the ball constantly getting dropped in behind you, running back towards your own goal with a flier on your shoulder - so we will have to wait and see."

You can listen to Collins' full thoughts and more on the Total Sport podcast.

"Sunderland just want to concrete that play-off spot. Get two or three wins under their belts and see where it takes them."

Daring to dream, Black Cats fans?

BBC Newcastle's Nick Barnes is joined by former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett as they react to Sunderland's win against Sheffield Wednesday.

You can find further reaction and more on Total Sport Sunderland.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland head coach was delighted that his decision to play Eliezer Mayenda instead of Wilson Isidor in the side's win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Young Spaniard Mayenda came in as a replacement for Black Cats top scorer Isidor, who was only a substitute and the teenager came up with both goals in the crucial 2-1 victory.

It got them back on track in the hunt for promotion after successive losses as they ground out three points at Hillsborough.

"Wilson did really well this season and is one of the best strikers in the league, for sure," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"But we need two or three strikers to be competitive in this league so maybe it was the right time for Wilson to recover a little bit and Eliezer was ready.

"He trained properly, he was connected with the team even with less game time and he showed his good qualities this evening."

Kieron Brady
Former Sunderland midfielder & BBC Radio Newcastle summariser

If Wilson Isidor's header had gone in against Hull City we would not be having this conversation, but you don't have to be medically qualified to say by dint of his age, Chris Rigg is still physically developing and is being asked to do a job on a regular basis when he's very much at a developmental stage.

To that end, you can understand those changes allied with the demands placed upon you can have an impact.

But I just cannot countenance the idea of managers or coaches talking about a team being tired. A team cannot be tired.

Individuals have the experience of being fatigued but the concern is, and it's not just Sunderland, it's a part of football discourse and it's been used as an excuse.

I don't often hear managers and coaches talk about tiredness in the aftermath of a victory or a good performance.

I don't believe it's good management to make public commentary that your charges are reaching a critical point of the season and you are, albeit unintentionally, putting into their minds the thought that they're tired or fatigued.

If in individual or private conversations Regis Le Bris looks at data and it suggests that certain players are not fulfilling the types of figures they did earlier in the season, then he's within his rights to do that.

But I really don't see the benefits from managers or coaches wheeling out terms like fatigue and tiredness in the aftermath, for the most part, of adverse outcomes.

Kieron Brady was speaking on the latest episode of Total Sport Sunderland, which you can listen to via BBC Sounds here.

Luke O'Nien will make his 300th appearance for Sunderland, if selected against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.

The midfielder joined the Black Cats from Wycombe in 2018 and was part of the side which won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2022.

O'Nien has only missed one league game so far this season with Sunderland in the thick of the promotion race.

"He came in as a central midfielder and he's played everywhere else and playing that number of games shows you're fit, reliable and he's never let anyone down," former Sunderland striker Martin Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's no disrespect but he's got the most out of everything he's got - he looks into his game and every fine detail."

The 30-year-old has scored 23 goals during his time at the Stadium of Light and Smith believes he is a vital part of Regis Le Bris' side.

"Sometimes on the outside you don't see what an individual brings on a day-to-day basis and what a manager sees having someone in the team, maybe not in terms of performance all the time but what he brings to everyone else," Smith added.

13th placed Sheffield Wednesday host fourth placed Sunderland on Friday (20:00 GMT) as both teams look for a first win in three league games that will strengthen their position on the Championship table.

The Black Cats have fallen away from their top three rivals after two straight defeats sees them eight points adrift of second placed Sheffield United.

While the Owls are just six points shy of a play off spot, but their two successive losses puts them at the latter end of a top half cramped with promotion chasers.

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost three of their last four league games against Sunderland (W1), losing those three matches by a combined 12-0 scoreline.

• Sunderland have lost just two of their last nine away league games against Sheffield Wednesday (W5 D2), winning 3-0 on their last visit to Hillsborough in September 2023.

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost each of their last two league games and will be looking to avoid losing three in succession for the first time since August 2024, a run which began with a 4-0 defeat to Sunderland.

• Sunderland have lost their last two league games, as many as they had in their previous 25 in the Championship (W12 D11).

• Sunderland's Wilson Isidor has been involved in five goals in his last six league games (4 goals, 1 assist), as many as in his previous 18 appearances (5 goals).