Swindon Town travel to promotion chasing Sunderland in the hope they can secure consecutive League victories for the first time this season.
The Reds have not secured back-to-back victories since the 22nd February 2020, when goals from Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jerry Yates and an own goal from Lee Hendrie helped see off Grimsby Town 3-1 at The County Ground.
However, the omens are on the Town’s side as the last time they achieved this difficult feat, they begun it with a win against Northampton Town.
Last Saturday, a classy free kick from Scott Twine and a pinpoint header from Brett Pitman, helped the lads side come from behind to beat The Cobblers 2-1.
The victory lifted The Reds into 18th position, where they are now three points clear of the relegation zone.
Morale and confidence have also been heavily boosted, particularly with striker Brett Pitman scoring three goals in his last six matches.
While there is an evident feel good factor within the squad, Sunderland will present a completely different and more complex challenge and The Reds will need to muster their best form.
The opposition:
The last meeting between the two sides was way back in October and it was this evening’s hosts who proved to be the more experienced and clinical.
Charlie Wyke scored just before half-time and Chris Maguire converted a penalty on the hour mark to double the lead and put the game beyond The Reds.
Sunderland are also high on confidence themselves having won three of their last four games beating Burton Albion 3-0 at The Pirelli Stadium and recording 4-1 and 2-0 victories at The Stadium of Light against Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town.
In this run of games, The Black Cats have also shown their resilience, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Crewe Alexandra with Jordan Jones halving the deficit in the second-half and Maguire striking right at the death to earn a share of the points.
Striker Charlie Wyke has been one of the outstanding players not only for Sunderland but in League One this season, scoring 18 goals in 28 appearances for Lee Johnson’s side.
He is afforded plenty of service with the 2014 League Cup finalists often playing an expansive and offensive 3-4-3 formation with both wingers and full backs whipping crosses into the box at will.
Town will need to be at their best if they want to cause a shock on Wear side, but they can take confidence from their battling 2-2 draw against Crewe Alexandra who were top of the league at the time.
Team news:
Jordan Lyden returns to the squad following a few weeks off with injury, whereas Tyler Smith and Joel Grant have not travelled with the team and will hopefully have some involvement on Saturday away to Accrington.
How to Watch:
This evening's game is available to stream via iFollow STFC, where supporters are able to purchase a Match Pass for a fee of £10.
