WANDERERS head to the Stadium of Light to take on Lee Johnson’s Sunderland on Saturday afternoon (KO 3pm).

Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to return to winning ways following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Rotherham United.

Team news

Declan John is available for Wanderers against his former club but Harry Brockbank, Amadou Bakayoko, Xav Amaechi and Liam Edwards remain sidelined.

Andrew Tutte is due to have surgery on Saturday morning after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the Central League Cup fixture against Accrington Stanley.

Sunderland defender Niall Huggins is a doubt after limping off in the Carabao Cup win at Wigan, but Tom Flanagan is back from suspension.

Opposition lowdown

Sunderland finished fourth in League One last season but narrowly missed out on a trip to Wembley after losing to Lincoln in the play-off semi-final.

The Black Cats brought in nine fresh faces over the summer including the likes of Corry Evans, Alex Pritchard and Nathan Broadhead.

Lee Johnson’s men are second in the league table, only behind leaders Wigan Athletic on goal difference.

The Wearside club have won five of their opening seven league matches, with their only defeat coming against Burton.

Head-to-head

  • Wanderers have faced Sunderland 148 times in their history, with a record of 49 wins, 37 draws and 62 defeats
  • Their last win in the fixture came in February 2018 when Zach Clough got the only goal in a 1-0 victory at the UniBol

Last meeting

The points were shared when the sides last met on Boxing Day in 2019 following a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin made a series of smart saves, with Ronan Darcy and Daryl Murphy both going close for the Whites.

Sunderland’s best chance fell to Marc McNulty, who was denied by a fine stop by Remi Matthews.

Predicted line-up

The Bolton News:

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form