Black Cats hoping for lucky breaks in South Wales

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray brings his side to the Cardiff City Stadium today hoping to reignite their fading play off hopes as the Championship games continue to come thick and fast.

The long trip to South Wales comes just days after Ozan Tufan’s late spot-kick earned Hull City a point to dent Sunderland’s play-off ambitions as the two northern sides fought out a 4-4 draw at the Stadium of Light on Good Friday.

Mowbray approaches the Cardiff game with some selection problems. Dennis Cirkin may feature in defence after recent fitness issues. Mowbray will be without Dan Ballard for the trip to though after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The home side are struggling near the foot of the table but will be boosted by a vital victory over lowly Blackpool last time out – a win which saw the Tangerine Dream come to and end for former Cardiff City boss Mick McCarthy at Bloomfield Road. As we await the kick off, rivals Huddersfield Town are ahead against Blackburn Rovers, increasing the need for three points facing Sabri’ Lamouchi’s side.

Lamouchi was hopeful that Kion Etete would be available, after the striker missed out on the trip to Blackpool due to a hamstring injury. Callum O’Dowda remains doubtful, though, meaning Joe Ralls may slot in in at left wing-back once more.

Cardiff City have won their last three league matches against Sunderland and are looking to win four in a row against the Black Cats for the first time.

This is Sunderland’s first league visit to Cardiff City since January 2018, losing 4-0 under Chris Coleman. Their last win at the Bluebirds was in March 2007 at Ninian Park.

Cardiff have lost their last two league matches on Easter Monday, last losing three in a row on Easter Mondays between 1954 and 1958 (five in a row).

Sunderland have won only two of their last 17 league matches on Easter Monday (D6 L9), winning 2-1 vs Leicester in 2002 and 2-1 vs Southampton in 2007.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has won four of his last six away league matches against Cardiff (D1 L1), winning 1-0 last season with Blackburn Rovers.

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