29-09-2022, 20:01
PNE will play the first of eight games in a hectic October this weekend as they take on Sunderland for the first time in over four years.
In The Dressing Room
Ryan Lowe may have a fully-fit squad to choose from this weekend, with 18-year-old Mikey O'Neill the only doubt.
Ben Woodburn has missed the past three games with an ankle injury, but he has returned to training over the international break and is expected to be in contention.
Alan Browne, Ali McCann, Robbie Brady and Troy Parrott all returned from international duty unscathed on Thursday, however Daniel Johnson was a late arrival back in the UK from the USA and therefore he may miss out.
A Look At Our Hosts
While the league table at this stage of the season can be taken with a pinch of salt, Sunderland fans will certainly be happy with their current placement in fifth.
They achieved their long-awaited promotion from League One last season under former PNE boss Alex Neil, but following his departure for Stoke City, it is now Tony Mowbray at the helm.
The international break will no doubt have helped him spend some valuable time on the training pitch with his new squad, however he’s without top scorer Ross Stewart for at least six weeks due to a thigh injury.
Going Head To Head
Games played: 120
PNE wins: 34
Draws: 33
Sunderland wins: 53
Last meeting: Sunderland 0-2 PNE, 17th March 2018
One To Watch
With top scorer Ross Stewart sidelined for six weeks and fellow forward Ellis Simms also injured, Sunderland may have to look elsewhere for their goals.
Former Spurs winger Jack Clarke has been key going forward so far this season for the Black Cats, having scored three already and assisting a further four.
His battle up against North End’s right wing back – whether it be Brad Potts or another option – could be key in this encounter.
Match Officials
Andy Woolmer will take charge of a PNE fixture for the second time this season on Saturday.
The experienced official last refereed a North End game in August as Ryan Lowe’s side drew 0-0 with Cardiff City.
Woolmer, who has shown 30 yellow cards and one red in his seven matches this campaign, will be assisted by Mark Dwyer and Matthew Smith, with Thomas Parsons on fourth official duty.
Macs View
A rare trip to this area, only been once decent stadium less pretentious than the one down the road and only three lots of stairs which may take some doing having made the mistake of having a Covid and flu jab at the same time.
Started well have the hosts seem to be faring well with Mowbray no doubt with their history of taking ex North End managers Mr Fantastic will end up there in the next few years.
Hopefully he can get us to put the ball between these![[Image: mzm_7c0cf3d0249fd1cf4348e22d709cb965_500...fff_75.jpg]](https://www.sportsequip.co.uk/acatalog/mzm_7c0cf3d0249fd1cf4348e22d709cb965_500_500_ffffff_75.jpg)
No doubt if McCann and Fernandez start they will both be substituted
Pressure is on Ryan time tom start delivering
In The Dressing Room
Ryan Lowe may have a fully-fit squad to choose from this weekend, with 18-year-old Mikey O'Neill the only doubt.
Ben Woodburn has missed the past three games with an ankle injury, but he has returned to training over the international break and is expected to be in contention.
Alan Browne, Ali McCann, Robbie Brady and Troy Parrott all returned from international duty unscathed on Thursday, however Daniel Johnson was a late arrival back in the UK from the USA and therefore he may miss out.
A Look At Our Hosts
While the league table at this stage of the season can be taken with a pinch of salt, Sunderland fans will certainly be happy with their current placement in fifth.
They achieved their long-awaited promotion from League One last season under former PNE boss Alex Neil, but following his departure for Stoke City, it is now Tony Mowbray at the helm.
The international break will no doubt have helped him spend some valuable time on the training pitch with his new squad, however he’s without top scorer Ross Stewart for at least six weeks due to a thigh injury.
Going Head To Head
Games played: 120
PNE wins: 34
Draws: 33
Sunderland wins: 53
Last meeting: Sunderland 0-2 PNE, 17th March 2018
One To Watch
With top scorer Ross Stewart sidelined for six weeks and fellow forward Ellis Simms also injured, Sunderland may have to look elsewhere for their goals.
Former Spurs winger Jack Clarke has been key going forward so far this season for the Black Cats, having scored three already and assisting a further four.
His battle up against North End’s right wing back – whether it be Brad Potts or another option – could be key in this encounter.
Match Officials
Andy Woolmer will take charge of a PNE fixture for the second time this season on Saturday.
The experienced official last refereed a North End game in August as Ryan Lowe’s side drew 0-0 with Cardiff City.
Woolmer, who has shown 30 yellow cards and one red in his seven matches this campaign, will be assisted by Mark Dwyer and Matthew Smith, with Thomas Parsons on fourth official duty.
Macs View
A rare trip to this area, only been once decent stadium less pretentious than the one down the road and only three lots of stairs which may take some doing having made the mistake of having a Covid and flu jab at the same time.
Started well have the hosts seem to be faring well with Mowbray no doubt with their history of taking ex North End managers Mr Fantastic will end up there in the next few years.
Hopefully he can get us to put the ball between these
No doubt if McCann and Fernandez start they will both be substituted
Pressure is on Ryan time tom start delivering
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?