Sunderland

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says that ending the season in an automatic promotion spot will be asking a lot of the young Black Cats squad.

"You can tell that they have that outside thought that they can break into the top two, but it will be a big ask from where they are at the moment," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Sunderland are currently eight points behind second-placed Sheffield United and six below Burnley in third.

And Gabbiadini sees the benefit of the Black Cats entering a play-off scrap for promotion.

"Anyone can win a play-off. It's a shootout and anything can happen," he said.

"There's so many scenarios that it's going to be an exciting end to the season.

"I hope the lads get what they deserve and they do deserve a crack at a play-off final. I think that would be a big highlight for them and above expectations."

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

Play off contenders Coventry City and Sunderland meet on Saturday (15:00 GMT) for three huge points at the top end of the table.

The visitors are a healthy three points clear of the Sky Blues in sixth, but are seven adrift of the top two and are looking to end the season strong.

While Coventry conceded a shock defeat to relegation-threatened Derby County last time out to see their five-game winning streak come to an end.

The loss has put them in striking distance of Bristol City and Middlesbrough, with the Robins having the chance to go ahead on Friday.

• The last nine league meetings between Coventry and Sunderland have alternated between a draw and a victory for Coventry; the game earlier this season ended 2-2.

• Sunderland are winless in their last 11 league visits to Coventry (D5 L6); their last win on the road against the Sky Blues came at Highfield Road in April 1985 in the top-flight.

• Coventry City have won seven of their last nine home league matches (D1 L1), winning each of their last three in a row. They last had a longer home winning run between May and October 2021 (seven wins).

• Sunderland have won three of their last four away league games (L1), as many as they won in their previous 12 away games combined (W3 D5 L4).

• Bobby Thomas has scored in each of his last three home league appearances for Coventry, scoring three times in total. He'd only scored twice in his first 35 games at the Coventry Building Society Arena for the Sky Blues.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris says his team will need to be at their best if they are to sustain their promotion challenge.

Four of the Black Cats' nine remaining league games are against teams currently in the top 10 - they face fellow play off contenders Coventry City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"These games are so tight, so difficult, that if we are not in our best shape, we will fail," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's very important to build strong momentum in this last month and I think it's possible.

"Sometimes we can forget that this team has done very well so far, obviously it's a young team, the youngest in the league.

"The last month we've had ups and downs but we reacted well and I hope it will be the case for the last month."

However, while the Frenchman is looking at how best to improve the sides' play off prospects, he has not yet written his side into them.

"We are not yet in the play-offs," Le Bris added.

"If we are too relaxed, it will be a disaster, so our specific ambition is to be at our top.

"It's not behind us, it's ahead of us, so we have something to chase."

Listen to Le Bris' full press conference and more on the Total Sport podcast.

"You can see Wilson Isidor, he's disappointed. I think he'll be disappointed with his all-around play because, for me, he struggled to get into the game."

"The automatic promotion place is slipping away and for me the biggest question is - Mayenda or Wilson Isidor?"

With both Burnley and Sheffield United taking just one point in their respective matches on Tuesday, are these the kinds of opportunities Sunderland can't afford to miss?

Simon Pryde and Nick Barnes are joined by former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett to discuss their draw against Preston North End and whether boss Regis Le Bris' decision to take off Eliezer Mayenda over Isidor cost them a much needed win.

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

Sunderland defender Trai Hume says Preston North End's time-wasting tactics helped spur the Black Cats on to grab their equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw.

Several North End players went to ground following Emil Riis' opening strike, with the crowd growing increasingly frustrated.

However, Hume says that the stop-start second half helped lift the energy in the ground and led to Romaine Mundle's late leveller.

"You kind of expect it but they did go to the extreme. They had about four or five players that went down," Hume told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The fans got up from it and we pushed on and ended up getting the equaliser so it kind of helped us in a way. It's not ideal but it's what teams do when they come and play against us."

Mundle's curled shot gave the Black Cats a point but having wasted several chances, particularly in the first half, the Wearside club will feel a big opportunity to close on the top three went begging.

Both Burnley and Sheffield United also only managed a point on Tuesday, with Leeds United looking to gain ground on Wednesday when they host Millwall.

"We thought we could have come away with three points, and you look at the other results and you realise they've drew, but it could have been worse - they could have won," Hume added.

"You've got to think of it as a positive but obviously, we are frustrated we didn't get the three points."

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

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said his side struggled to deal with Preston North End's direct play during their 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats rescued a point through Romaine Mundle's superb strike late on after Emil Riis put the visitors ahead.

Le Bris said Preston made life difficult for his side with their willingness to get the ball forward quickly.

"I think we started OK. It was 4-4-2, a little bit different. We needed some adjustments to find the right dynamic," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It worked well, we created chances and should have scored before. We struggled a bit against their direct play, it is not easy to press.

"Our block was open and they kept the ball close to our box and were able to create chances from nothing from direct play."

But Le Bris was pleased with Sunderland's character and is refusing to give up on the promotion race despite a seven-point gap to the automatic spots.

"It was a good reaction, another point in the race. The league is long and we'll keep going."

Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham is rumoured to have caught the eye of Premier League side Chelsea - but not everyone believes it would be a good move for the teenager.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says a move to Stamford Bridge could end up working against Bellingham, with the Blues already harbouring a huge squad filled with expensive players.

"As soon as you say Chelsea, alarm bells start ringing for me. How many players have gone there and it's just not worked out?" Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Please, whatever you do, don't go there. If you are going to leave Sunderland, don't go there."

Chelsea is not the only side Gabbiadini believes Bellingham should think twice about joining, preferring a move for the 19-year-old that would echo his older brother Jude.

The elder Bellingham moved from Birmingham City to German titans Borussia Dortmund before joining current side Real Madrid.

Gabbiadini believes that the Bundesliga would be an easier step in the midfielder's development due to smaller squad sizes and lower transfer spends - a move that proved fruitful for his England international sibling.

"It's a Premier League problem," he added. "He's been playing brilliantly, he's really great to watch and you can understand why teams are interested in him.

"But does he want to be playing in Premier League football yet? It's a big step but you want to get it right."

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

Image source, Rex Features

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes recent criticism of Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson isn't warranted.

But is it?

Patterson was at fault for Pascal Struijk's late winner in the defeat by Leeds United, before his own goal against Hull City.

Is he a weak link that needs to be addressed?

Or, as Gabbiadini has suggested, is he the scapegoat for a lack of aerial presence in the squad?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says he is "sick of" criticism of Black Cats keeper Anthony Patterson.

The England Under-21's international has come under scrutiny after recent errors led to the teams's first back-to-back defeats of the season, conceding an own goal against relegation-threatened Hull City after playing a part in Leeds' late winning goal in the previous match.

"What's been wrong with his performances?" Gabbiadini said on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The second goal at Leeds, maybe he's made a mistake there. But look, he's made some fantastic saves in these games."

Gabbiadini believes Sunderland's lack of aerial presence is a more significant problem.

"Teams put the ball in the mixer because we don't have the aerial power," he explained.

"They are putting it in there because we've got somebody like Patrick Roberts at the near post. For me, you might as well send him up the field.

"People want Patterson to come and dominate the box and catch everything. The trouble with that is what happened on Saturday

"He came a long way off his line and the ball is put past in the back of the net from behind him."

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

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.