Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers Match Preview
Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers will do battle in a crucial relegation clash at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Blackburn currently occupy the relegation zone and are one point adrift of safety, while Sunderland are only one point further ahead.
Blackburn beat Swansea City 4-2 last weekend and know another win here will see them climb out of the relegation zone, while Sunderland are looking to avoid suffering their third straight defeat.
Martin O’Neill will be in the dugout for Sunderland, and it will be O’Neill’s first game in charge of the club he supported as a boy.
Captain Lee Cattermole is suspended for Sunderland, while Nicklas Bendtner is ruled out with a groin problem. Phil Bardsley is struggling with an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Defender Ryan Nelsen is ruled out for Blackburn, while Steven Nzonzi is suspended. Ruben Rochina and Martin Olsson are injury doubts for Rovers and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Yakubu will lead the attack for Blackburn, and the Nigerian striker scored all four goals in the win over Swansea.