It’s 3rd v 4th in EFL League One as Sunderland have a chance to overtake MK Dons

Sunderland will be aiming to get their first win in five, and only their second of 2022, as they host Milton Keynes Dons at the Stadium of Light.

Despite The Black Cats’ poor start to the year, they have a great chance to leapfrog The Dons into third place in League One. However, if Sunderland continue their poor run of form and other results go against them they could just as easily end up as low down as eighth at the end of today.

New boss Alex Neil will be keen to end his first week in charge with four out of six points if he can build on the mid-week draw against Wimbledon with a home win.

The Scot claimed “We have 14 games left, 14 games to save our season. There can be no more excuses. Things have to change, and they have to change today.”

Neil will take some comfort from the fact that MK Dons haven’t won against Sunderland in their last three matches. He’ll be relying heavily on fellow Scotsman Ross Stewart, who is Sunderland’s top scorer this season with 18 goals.

The Dons will be looking to Scott Twine to make the difference, the English midfielder, who was signed last summer, has contributed towards 22 goals so far this season, with 13 goals and 9 assists. However, they’ll also be looking to continue their strong defensive form that has only seen them concede only five goals in their ten matches of 2022, with no more than one goal in any game.

Visiting manager Liam Manning is very much looking forward to the exciting match.

“The number of fans, the size of the club we’re going up against and our league positions all make it great but how the guys are doing, how they are performing, how hard they are working and the quality they are showing – that’s what excites me.”

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