Sunderland take on Preston North End in the Championship on Wednesday night. And for one Lilywhites player, it’ll be a special game.
Sunderland are on the road where they take on a Preston North End side managed by Paul Heckingbottom, who was heavily linked with a move to the Stadium of Light during the summer.
He took charge in August and has four wins in 14 games since, with the Lilywhites currently struggling in 21st place of the Championship table and with just one win in their last five league games.
But he has one in form player right now in Sam Greenwood. The 22-year-old was born in Sunderland and spent time with the Black Cats’ academy, then Arsenal’s and then to Leeds United.
The attacker is currently on loan at Preston from Leeds and has three goals in 10 Championship outings this season, with all three of those goals having come in his last three league games.
Preston’s Sam Greenwood shares love for Sunderland ahead of Championship clash
Greenwood spent time in the Sunderland ranks alongside the likes of Dan Neil. And like Neil, he’s a lifelong fan of the club.
Speaking to Preston North End’s official club website before Wednesday’s game at Deepdale, Greenwood didn’t hide his love for the Black Cats.
He said about playing against Sunderland: “It means a lot to me personally, but I think I’ve just got to take it as another game.
“I was there from when I was six until 16. I had unbelievable times there, unbelievable memories, and I’m a big supporter as well. I always watch them week in, week out.”
Sam Greenwood’s record vs Sunderland
In the Championship, Greenwood has already played against Sunderland twice, with both appearances coming as a Middlesbrough player last season.
And Black Cats fans will remember the 4-0 defeat against Middlesbrough during the first half of the 2023/24 season, in which Greenwood was on the scoresheet.
He scored five and assisted three more in 37 Championship outings for Boro last season.
Greenwood has also played Sunderland in the Carabao Cup, playing for Preston as they knocked out Sunderland during the First Round earlier this season.
Preston though will be facing a full strength and in form Sunderland side on Wednesday night, and they’ll know they’ll be in for a tough night.
Likewise, Regis Le Bris will be expecting another tricky away outing in the Championship.