Sunderland

Oxford United will be seeking safety from relegation against fourth placed Sunderland when they face each other on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The U's are currently three points above the relegation zone and could see themselves out of danger if they take victory against the Black Cats.

While facing a top team may seem like a daunting task for a team fighting for survival, their visitors have not been at their best as of late and are winless across their past four league games (D1 L3).

Having already secured their spot, Sunderland's eyes are firmly on the play-offs ahead and have been giving their top players a breather before their promotion hunt begins again in May - however with boss Regis Le Bris keen to gather momentum, perhaps Oxford won't fare so lucky.

• Oxford are winless in their last 13 league games against Sunderland (D6 L7) since a 3-2 away win in April 1994.

• Sunderland are unbeaten in their last eight away league games against Oxford (W5 D3), winning the last three in a row. Their last defeat away to this opposition came in December 1991 (0-3).

• Oxford have lost four of their last six home league games (W2), more than they had in their first 16 this season (W8 D5 L3).

• Having lost just three of their first 17 league games in 2025 (W9 D5), Sunderland have now lost each of their last three in a row.

• Only Sheffield Wednesday (24) and Bristol City (20) have gained more points from losing positions in the Championship than Sunderland this season (18), while only Norwich (30) and Preston (28) have dropped more points from winning positions than Oxford (26).

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says Jamie Vardy "would be gold dust for a lot of Premier League teams" - and the type of player the Black Cats could use if they get promoted.

Leicester City legend Vardy announced he will be leaving the Foxes at the end of the season but confirmed he was not retiring from professional football. Gabbiadini has likened him to two of Sunderland's greatest strikers - Kevin Phillips and Jermain Defoe.

Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He's not going to demand the same contract that he's on now.

"I think he got well rewarded for his loyalty to the club so I wouldn't think he would be anywhere near the level he's at at this stage.

"It's reminiscent of Kevin Phillips who managed to avoid too many serious injuries and kept playing late on, and he had a number of clubs didn't he?

"He wasn't always anywhere near first on the starting list but players like that in a tight situation they just have that knowhow, the gumption in those tricky games where you're doing everything except sticking the ball in the back of the net."

Gabbiadini added: "We saw it with Jermain Defoe when he came late in his career to Sunderland.

"He was fantastic. He just had that knack of rolling defenders and balls went into him in the box - he just had the knowhow to manipulate that half a yard of space that you need to score.

"I think Vardy definitely falls into that [category]. He might not be able to run as quickly as some players but in that 18-yard area he's dynamite."

The 38-year-old would be a far cry from Sunderland's model of signing young players to develop and sell for profit, but the striker's age does not concern Gabbiadini.

"He'd bring the average age up but there's nothing wrong with that," he said.

"There's nothing wrong with being 38 or 39 as a footballer. The only bit that's wrong with it is that you've been a footballer for 22 years and you're absolutely knackered. Your body is falling to bits.

"I was fitter, leaner, my body fat was lower at 35 than it was when I was 25 but my knees were knackered. That's the only thing that stopped me playing.

"Age, the number doesn't matter. It's about what his body feels like and whether he's still got that desire to do it. He was a late starter to the professional game wasn't he?

"He didn't have the intensity. He was working and playing as a part-time player. So there isn't that intensity of being on the training ground every day of the week and the issues that causes."

You can listen to more from Marco Gabbiadini on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Regis Le Bris has urged his Sunderland squad to use their final two Championship outings of the season to take in an improved level of form into the play-offs.

The Black Cats have failed to win a game in three since a 0-0 draw with Norwich secured their place in the end of season shootout, losing to Swansea, Bristol City and Blackburn.

But manager Le Bris has promised his side will bring their A game to their final two fixtures including against Oxford United this weekend in an effort to go into the play off semi final first leg with momentum.

"With semi finals so close to this game, our players and team will be very motivated. We know that if we are not fully involved we will be punished," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Sunderland have been locked into fourth spot in the play-offs and will face an away leg semi-final against whoever finishes fifth in the table.

But whoever they face, Le Bris insisted none of the play-off contenders will be easy opposition.

"We have to deserve the promotion and it will be tough for sure. We will have four teams in this play-offs and these teams will be motivated so there will be no gifts," he said.

"After this achievement [finishing fourth] we want more. I think everyone wants more. After this season we can have another view about this season. Now our main focus is in the play-offs and we'll try our best to be the best team as possible."

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland are mourning the passing of club legend Cecil Irwin at the age of 83.

Born in Ellington, Northumberland, Irwin spent his entire career playing for the club he grew up supporting, making more than 350 appearances in red and white between 1958 and 1972 and scoring a solitary goal.

Irwin was a mainstay on the right of Sunderland's defence in their first ever promotion-winning team in 1964, missing only three games all season, and was inducted into the SAFC Hall of Fame in October 2023.

He made his debut aged 16 years and 166 days against Ipswich in September 1958 and remains the fourth-youngest player in the club's history.

Irwin also earned England youth honours and played alongside future World Cup winners Nobby Stiles and Geoff Hurst.

Click here to read some wonderful memories shared by club historian Rob Mason on the club's official website., external

Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca says he "believes in" Regis Le Bris' divisive approach to the end of the Championship season.

Having qualified for the play-offs earlier this month, other results going the Black Cats' way meant they officially secured fourth place on Monday despite the 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers.

It has been widely expected for months that fourth would be Sunderland's finishing position in the league table having been there since November.

As a result of his side's safe status, Le Bris has picked a rotated line-up managing the minutes of star players such as Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee, Dan Neil and Patrick Roberts.

But with four losses and a draw in their last five games, some fans have grown disgruntled by poor performances and results.

"If you look at the manager's side what he's trying to do is save players legs to try to keep everyone as fit as he can to try approach the most important part of the season which is the play-offs," Arca told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I understand the fans point of view but I believe in what the manager is doing. Changing players around is for a reason. Obviously if that reason works out in the right way it's great but if not then there's the other side as well.

"It's a strange position to be in but at the same time obviously it's a good position.

"That's the reason why it's good to understand what the manager is doing. We're here. We cannot go any higher. We're not going to go any lower.

"We need to prepare in the right way for what's coming and that's the reason I believe he's doing what he's doing."

You can listen to more from Julio Arca on BBC Sounds.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says fans booing Brighton-bound Tommy Watson "seems a little bit brainless" after some supporters voiced their frustration with the winger over Easter weekend.

The Black Cats lost 2-1 away against Bristol City on Good Friday then suffered a 1-0 home defeat on Monday to Blackburn Rovers. Watson was booed off the pitch at Ashton Gate but received a more mixed reaction at the Stadium of Light.

Some supporters booed when the winger's name was announced as part of the starting line-up before the loss to Blackburn while others applauded as he took a corner in the first-half, and then there was a split reaction when he was substituted in the second.

It was announced at the start of April that Watson will leave Sunderland this summer in a £10m move to Brighton. Since then some fans have questioned whether he should feature in the remaining games this season.

Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It seems a little bit brainless to me. It's modern football.

"We've got players, the top players in the country, who are coming to the end of their contracts and they're still playing for their teams but talking about where they're going to be next year and they might be leaving.

"You can't do that to players. It's just the business of football.

"He has agreed a deal in advance of the season finishing. The club are going to do well out of it. Hopefully in the future even better. He might even end up back here on loan in the summer.

"I'm glad that the majority of people did give him the support he deserves. You never know what might happen. He might have a fairy tale end to the season."

You can listen to more from Marco Gabbiadini on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris was pleased with his side's application despite a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn.

Tyrhys Dolan scored the only goal of the game for Rovers, securing a third straight win to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.

The Black Cats are guaranteed their top six spot but are winless in four. Le Bris still praised his players' effort.

"The energy was largely positive, the way we played. Disappointing result, positive performance," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The opponent had a specific plan; only two shots and one goal. They were efficient and it wasn't the case for us.

"It is now a question of mindset, energy, ambition and desire."

Le Bris made seven changes but refused to use it as an excuse, though he did add that his side lacked cutting edge in attack.

"Even with seven changes, the team was fluid. But is is more in the head than tactics.

"We weren't smooth in the final third. This part of the pitch is the most difficult to get right."

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien has praised the development of teenage forward Eliezer Mayenda after the young Spaniard's sensational goal at Bristol City.

The 19-year-old carried the ball around 70 yards before firing into the corner to put his side ahead at Ashton Gate.

The hosts came back to beat the 10-men 2-1, but Mayenda's eighth goal of the season was the Black Cats' stand-out moment in the game.

And for 30-year-old O'Nien, it was further sign of how the forward has stepped up this campaign.

"I've never seen a player receive the ball 70 yards from goal and think, he's going to score here," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"That shows what sort of player we've got there. I'm really enjoying seeing him develop.

"He didn't have the easiest of starts, but he's a perfect education for any player that joins the club.

"He's worked hard, he's got his head down and he's reaped the rewards, And there's a lot more to come from him."

Image source, Rex Features

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris believes Trai Hume's red card was "harsh" and made it tough for his side in their 2-1 loss at Bristol City.

Hume was dismissed on seven minutes for bringing down Nahki Wells as the last man, before Robert Dickie and Ross McCrorie won the game following Eliezer Mayenda's opener.

The Black Cats have already secured a play-off place but Le Bris was frustrated by the decision despite praising his side for their reaction.

"It was a harsh decision from the referee. We have to accept it," he said, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It changed the dynamics of the game; we started well with confidence

"After the red card, we managed the situation properly and defended well. It was tough to maintain the level. We know you can score from long shots and mistakes in the box. That was the case twice.

"We tried to win the game but we want the players in the best shape. We are building the squad and team with this opportunity because we have secured the play-offs and that was the main objectives."

Le Bris was pleased with Mayenda's contribution and says the team can take heart from the display.

"In the last few weeks, Eliezer has shown he is really connected to the game and his good qualities.

"We can't forget this; the outcome of the game is disappointing but at the same time we can be confident."

With Sunderland already assured of a play-off place and almost certain to finish no lower than where they are now - fourth - Regis Le Bris's side just need to keep things ticking over during their remaining four games of the regular season and steer clear of any major injuries.

Bristol City, 12 points behind the Black Cats in fifth, are also looking good for a top-six finish and will do everything they can to protect their four-point cushion to the chasing pack in these next four games.

Here are the key stats ahead of their meeting on Good Friday (15:00 BST).

• Bristol City are unbeaten in their past four league games against Sunderland (W1 D3) since a 3-2 defeat back in August 2022.

• Sunderland have won on two of their past four away league visits to Bristol City (D1 L1), more than they'd won in their previous 15 games at Ashton Gate.

• Bristol City have won each of their past three league games on Good Friday, beating Stoke in both 2021-22 and 2022-23 and Leicester last season.

• Only Grimsby Town (41) and Blackpool (38) have won more games in Football League history on Good Friday than Sunderland (36).

• Among each side's past 10 games in the Championship, only Burnley (24) have accumulated more points than Bristol City (19 – W5 D4 L1).

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has urged fans to "manage expectations" for the remaining games of the Championship season.

Some have voiced concern about the The Black Cats' recent results following a bore draw against Norwich City and a 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea City.

"At this stage of the season we have to be really proud of the team," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I think it's a really good reminder because we have 76 points so far.

"I think it shows that team did very well. It's a little bit of a strange period because we worked this season with a small group due to many injuries, for example, and now to be competitive in this part of the season we need fresh bodies."

The Frenchman has stressed the importance of managing players' fitness in the run-up to the play-offs.

"We need fresh heads so it's important to manage the squad, to rotate the players, to give opportunities for young players," he added.

"I think they deserve it because they have worked well and they need support through this period.

"At the same time for the others, we need to manage their bodies to avoid rushing the process for their recovery."

Le Bris named Jobe Bellingham, Dan Ballard and Leo Hjelde as examples of players whose workload has needed to be managed recently but admitted that results and performances have suffered.

"The consequences are the results and probably the output, because the games we played, maybe the last two or three games, we were not as good as expected probably, but at the same time are still fourth.

"The play-offs are secured and it's another stage of the season. I can understand the reaction because the fans and supporters always want to win and it's fair. No problem with that.

"At the same time now, our main objective is clearly the two games in the play-offs and we have to be ready for these fixtures."

When BBC Radio Newcastle's commentator Nick Barnes asked Le Bris if he would urge the fans to be patient, he said: "If it's possible.

"If it's not possible they can be disappointed. No problem. I can respect that, but at the same time it's important maybe to step back to look around the full season and to understand that this stage is different.

"We still have the youngest team in the league, made the fewest substitutions, and we are in a good place. So manage expectations."

You can listen to more from Regis Le Bris on BBC Sounds.

Former Sunderland player Kieron Brady wants the club to take steps "not generally thought of as a norm in football" to help inspire the team to the Championship play-off final.

Talking to BBC Radio Newcastle after what he described as a "flat" and "insipid" 1-0 loss at home to Swansea, Brady said "there is an element of surrealism" to the Black Cats' end to the season.

"It's completely unlike two years ago when Sunderland's foray into the play-offs was very last gasp after victory at Preston," Brady said.

"It's something that most have suspected is going to be the case now for four to six to even eight weeks.

"So many of the thoughts now are on what happens once the 46 games are concluded and Sunderland make their way to one of Coventry, West Brom, Bristol City or Middlesbrough for the first leg."

"For the second leg, the club should be in discussion with supporters now about making the atmosphere as conducive as possible to Sunderland navigating a path to Wembley. That for me is a big thing. I've been at the Stadium of Light when the fans should have got an assist for a goal.

"I've never understood why the notion of a 12th man has never ever been explored further and greater communication hasn't taken place between supporters groups and the club."

Brady thinks Regis Le Bris' side could take some inspiration from fierce rivals Newcastle in terms of using fans to spur on the team.

"Because of the work I do for the Premier League, it takes me quite often to St James' and there's no doubt that a lot of the more productive and positive performances that Newcastle have given, have been enhanced by lulls which are then followed by a huge surge of noise.

"That is something that is much more likely to encourage the players in any given moment, particularly if they're going through a period that's challenging."

Brady added: "It's just something that would be worth exploring because on Saturday against Swansea, the 12th man was poor.

"If we can say all 11 others that took to the field were poor, why can't we say that the 12th was equally uninspiring? There is a reciprocal element to this where the inspiration goes both ways.

"I just think with this knowledge that you're going to be playing at the Stadium of Light in the second leg and have three-four weeks ahead to plan for it, try and cover every single eventuality. Even the ones that aren't generally thought of as a norm within football."

Listen to more from Kieron Brady on BBC Sounds.

Harrison Jones is the latest academy product to break into the first team at Sunderland. The Championship's youngest team fielded five homegrown players in the starting XI against Swansea.

After making his first league start for the Black Cats, 20-year-old Jones is looking to follow in the footsteps of captain Dan Neil in living out his boyhood dream of representing the club he supports.

"I've been in the crowd many, many times myself," the midfielder told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I know what they want to see on the pitch so it's what I try to emulate.

"Working hard, I think that's just an absolute given. To represent Sunderland you have to work your socks off and play fast attacking football which we tried to do, it just didn't create the goal."

Although the result did not come for Regis Le Bris' side as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat, they are safe in the knowledge they have already qualified for the play-offs.

With four games left to go of the regular Championship season, it is an opportunity to manage the squad and give young players like Jones a chance.

"I see this week being just the whole year's worth of effort which has finally allowed me to get on the pitch which I think I've deserved to," Jones added.

"Obviously the results haven't gone our way but I'm really grateful for the opportunity and really proud that I've been able to represent Sunderland which is what I've been aiming to do for many, many years now."

Prior to this first start, Jones had featured on the bench 26 times for the Black Cats this season, making two substitute appearances - something he says has been invaluable experience.

"For me, it's not just sitting on the bench, it's being involved in a first team changing room. It's seeing the level," he added.

"Seeing what the Championship looks like because not many have seen it inside the dressing room so I've learned so much from just being on the bench itself and by doing that it's allowed me to nurture and become better so when I do play, I'm able to fit right in."

Listen to more from Harrison Jones on BBC Sounds.