06-11-2024, 15:38
The Fitness Test
Will Keane, who hasn't featured since the end of September, won't make a return to action before the international break. Paul Heckingbottom plans to use the two weeks without a match to get the striker up to speed.
Patrick Bauer is also a way off being available, despite now being involved in parts of training. He has some time to go before he's allowed any form of contact.
Ched Evans also remains sidelined, but otherwise it's a clean bill of health for North End.
The Black Cats
Having appointed a new boss in Régis Le Bris this summer, Sunderland started the season with four wins from four, and they’ve not let up since.
After 13 league matches, they sit at the summit of the division, with the joint-most goals scored (23) in the league, and the second-most clean sheets (8).
They’ve lost on just three occasions so far this term, with one of those being the 2-0 defeat to North End in the first round of the Carabao Cup in August, when Ryan Ledson and Mads Frøkjær were on the scoresheet.
The Officials
Referee: Lewis Smith
Assistant Referees: Hristo Karaivanov and Sam Lewis
Fourth Official: Robert Madley
Lewis Smith will referee the third North End fixture of his career on Wednesday night.
Smith first took charge of a PNE match last season away at Hull City, before officiating the Lilywhites’ 4-1 victory at home to Huddersfield Town in April 2024.
In total this season, Smith has taken charge of 16 matches, showing 58 yellow cards and three reds.
Will Keane, who hasn't featured since the end of September, won't make a return to action before the international break. Paul Heckingbottom plans to use the two weeks without a match to get the striker up to speed.
Patrick Bauer is also a way off being available, despite now being involved in parts of training. He has some time to go before he's allowed any form of contact.
Ched Evans also remains sidelined, but otherwise it's a clean bill of health for North End.
The Black Cats
Having appointed a new boss in Régis Le Bris this summer, Sunderland started the season with four wins from four, and they’ve not let up since.
After 13 league matches, they sit at the summit of the division, with the joint-most goals scored (23) in the league, and the second-most clean sheets (8).
They’ve lost on just three occasions so far this term, with one of those being the 2-0 defeat to North End in the first round of the Carabao Cup in August, when Ryan Ledson and Mads Frøkjær were on the scoresheet.
The Officials
Referee: Lewis Smith
Assistant Referees: Hristo Karaivanov and Sam Lewis
Fourth Official: Robert Madley
Lewis Smith will referee the third North End fixture of his career on Wednesday night.
Smith first took charge of a PNE match last season away at Hull City, before officiating the Lilywhites’ 4-1 victory at home to Huddersfield Town in April 2024.
In total this season, Smith has taken charge of 16 matches, showing 58 yellow cards and three reds.
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?