Sunderland will be searching for a second consecutive win on home soil this evening.
Mike Dodds will take charge of another first team fixture following Tony Mowbray’s sacking last week.
The 37-year-old took the reins for Sunderland’s 2-1 win over West Brom at the weekend, bringing a run of three games without victory to an end.
The Black Cats have an even harder test today, as they host Leeds United in the Championship.
The Whites currently sit third in the table and have lost only one of their last eleven games, while a win for them could take them within four points of the automatic promotion spots.
Meanwhile, Sunderland dragged themselves back into the top six at the weekend and will now be looking to leapfrog West Brom into fifth place.
This could well be Dodds’ last game in charge on Wearside and will be eager to end it with a bang, though David Prutton has actually predicted Leeds to leave with a 2-1 win under their belts.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Leeds United midfielder said: “Sunderland put on a rousing display against West Brom, taking victory in their first game since the departure of Tony Mowbray. Can they continue that momentum into their clash with Leeds?
“United are flying at the minute. There is so much attacking talent there, and they are scoring goals for fun. This should be some game, I think Daniel Farke’s side will edge it.”
Can Sunderland claim a victory over the favourites?
Sunderland actually looked a much better side at the weekend, with Mike Dodds’ fresh tactics and formation paying off.
The Black Cats certainly looked capable of beating Leeds United, though it is definitely a lot to ask for them to claim all three points only days after the West Brom clash.
You would assume Dodds will go with a similar line-up to the one that beat the Baggies, so are they going to be fit enough to do it all over again?
The Whites have players such as Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe who can really do some damage, and Sunderland’s defence hasn’t exactly looked very strong in recent weeks.
Sunderland could definitely sneak a win this evening, but there is no denying that it will be extremely difficult.
It would be ideal to have two wins under our belts when the new manager arrives though, and perhaps the disappointment of Tony Mowbray leaving would have less of an impact on the young players.