Preview: Sunderland vs. Fleetwood Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at opposing ends of the League One table will meet on Tuesday as promotion hopefuls Sunderland will host Fleetwood Town, who sit just above the relegation zone.

The hosts come into the game after three consecutive fixtures without a loss, meanwhile, the Cod Army have failed to win in their previous 10 outings.

Match preview

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Sunderland head into Tuesday's match sitting just outside of the playoff positions, which is something they shall be pushing to change, and a victory has the potential to do just that.

There is just one point separating the Black Cats and Sheffield Wednesday, and a win could see them climb up to fifth place depending on other results.

However, they will need an improved performance from Saturday, where Alex Neil's men were held to a goalless draw by Charlton Athletic, despite the fact they dominated possession and boasted 17 shots on goal.

It was the first time Sunderland failed to find the back of the net in a game since the 6-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers in January, with their attack being a key strength for the club as they are the third-highest goalscorers in League One.

The club have only lost four of their 17 home matches this season, which will provide confidence that they can get back to winning ways immediately, as their search for promotion continues.

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Fleetwood Town do not boast a strong away record, having only mustered two victories on the road throughout this campaign, which is a concerning record that is the fifth-worst in the division.

Stephen Crainey witnessed his team suffer a defeat in front of their own fans on Saturday as Ipswich Town took all three points from their visit to Highbury Stadium.

Goals from Sam Morsy and Kayden Jackson were enough to seal the game, which was the 10th outing in a row where the Cod Army have failed to register a win, which has seen them become involved in the relegation fight.

There are just two points above the bottom four right now, placing real pressure on each fixture, as any slip-up has the possibility of seeing them drop into those positions.

However, when they faced Sunderland earlier this season, Fleetwood Town managed to take a point from the game in a four-goal thriller which saw Gerard Garner score a 97th-minute equaliser, and that fighting spirit will be needed again on Tuesday.

Team News

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Sunderland were dealt a major blow on Saturday as Alex Pritchard had to be replaced due to an ankle injury, which Neil has admitted is a concern, with the attacking midfielder set to miss out on Tuesday.

This will open the door for Elliot Embleton, who will likely be the man to replace him in the team, while the Black Cats were also able to welcome Nathan Broadhead back for the first time since December due to a hamstring issue.

Bradley Halliday remains Fleetwood Town's only long-term absentee due to his cruciate ligament problem, and the club will likely continue to push on with three at the back.

At the other end of the field Anthony Pilkington is in line to start alongside Ellis Harrison up front, providing the attacking threat.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Winchester, Wright, Xhemaji, Cirkin; Evans, Matete; Gooch, Embleton, Stewart; Broadhead

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Cairns; Nsaila, Clarke, Jules; Johnson, Lane, Camps, Johnston, Andrews; Harrison, Pilkington

We say: Sunderland 2-0 Fleetwood Town

Sunderland's form may have taken a dip as of late, but the Black Cats should head into this match as the favourites due to their league positioning alone, and they will be confident of securing three points.

Fleetwood Town have got a lot to fight for within this match in their own right, but the hosts should have enough quality to just edge things.

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