Sunderland will travel to New Meadow on Saturday and take on Shrewsbury Town as they resume their League One campaign.
The Black Cats did not play their match against Blackpool last weekend due to international call-ups, so they will have had two weeks to prepare for this meeting.
Jack Ross’ side have been impressive in League One so far this year and look strong contenders to be promoted back to the Championship – something he will want to see continue on Saturday.
Lynden Gooch is in contention to be selected for the game after having missed the last three matches with an injury.
The American has spent the international break getting his fitness back up to speed and is now ready to make a return to the team.
However, he will be without Glenn Loovens, Charlie Wyke, Donald Love, Denver Hume and Duncan Watmore for the trip to Shropshire.
The Verdict:
Sunderland will have been buoyed by the news that Gooch is back available and in contention for the game against Shrewsbury.
The American wideman has played a key role for the Black Cats this season already, having netted three times and assisted a further four goals in his ten League One appearances this season.
Having had the extra week off, Ross will be looking for his side to take full advantage against the side that were in the playoffs last season and were beaten by Fleetwood Town last weekend.
Sunderland fans – thoughts?
