Lee Johnson’s Sunderland remain unbeaten away from home but face a rejuvenated Northampton Town

It’s the first game of the new year for Sunderland as they travel 214 miles south to take on Keith Curle’s Northampton Town who ended 2020 with a bang, beating Gillingham 3-1 at home.

Since arriving at the Stadium of Light, Lee Johnson has earned four points since arriving on December 5th. The Sunderland manager faced defeat on his first game in charge at home to Wigan Athletic but since then his side’s luck has changed, beating League One table-toppers Lincoln City 4-0.

The Black Cats are currently four points away from the Play-Offs, a win at Northampton can see the club move as high as eighth place with two games in hand on the League leaders.

Since taking the reigns of Sunderland, Johnson has brought in Jamie McAllister as his assistant head coach. The pair have previously worked alongside each other at Bristol City where Johnson enjoyed a luxurious spell at the Robins. Upon arrival, McAllister reiterated his excitement coming to Sunderland.

“The potential here is fantastic and everybody has a part to play – Our role is to create a culture and identity that provides the spark to take this club back where it belongs.”

Sunderland faced a rapid demise following relegation from the Premier League in 2016 then again to League One in the 17/18 season. Having spent three seasons outside the top-flight, going onto four, promotion this year for Johnson and his men is vital if they’re to bring a shining light back to the North East.

Johnson’s side haven’t played a match since December 15th due to their Boxing Day clash being postponed due to COVID-19 which saw the failure to fulfil the Black Cats fixtures against Shrewsbury and Blackpool.

Meanwhile, Northampton Town won their first match in five games against Gillingham, as a result taking the Cobblers out of the relegation zone.

Keith Curle has come out openly and stated that his side have been on the wrong side of some results but cites that his team can stand up to the challenge and do the ugly side of the game well. The Cobblers manager is looking to build on his sides midweek win as they look to be the first team this season to inflict Sunderland’s first away defeat of the season.

Northampton’s defence will have their work cut out for themselves, facing the challenge of keeping striker Charlie Wyke quiet who has seven goals in 15 league appearances, as well as Lynden Gooch who has two goals and five assists in 13 appearances in the league. Gooch has spent the majority of his career at the Black Cats having only endured two spells on loan at Gateshead and Doncaster Rovers.

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