SUNDERLAND'S fans might be getting a nasty sense of deja vu after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Coventry, but boss Mick McCarthy is confident history won't repeat itself again when Crewe visit the Stadium of Light tonight.

The Black Cats also opened last season with a 2-0 reverse, at Nottingham Forest, and followed that up with a tame 1-0 defeat at home to Millwall.

A similar result this evening would leave McCarthy's side playing catch up with the season just four days old and, while the new campaign is still in its infancy, the Sunderland boss is desperate to get points on the board.

"We had a good season last year after having lost our first two games," he said. "But I don't want that to happen again.

"It's important to get a better start than we had last year, and we tried manfully to achieve that at Coventry. One mistake cost us the game and we can't afford do be doing things like that."

McCarthy sprang something of a selection surprise on Saturday with his decision to leave summer signing Stephen Caldwell out of his 16-man squad.

Youngster Ben Clark started alongside skipper Gary Breen, with the versatile Mark Lynch named amongst the substitutes.

Breen faces a late fitness test this evening after straining his hamstring but, even if he makes it, Caldwell could still find himself promoted to the starting ranks.

"Nobody has a divine right to play in the team," said McCarthy. "Saturday's decision wasn't based on individuals - it was based on the partnership that I'd looked at and thought had done well.

"That partnership was picked for that game on Saturday and we'll see what happens from thereon in.

"I'm still looking for the best partnership and it might change again for the Crewe game.

"I've spoken to Steve and told him he'll get his games and he's still got a lot to offer."

Whoever gets the nod will be charged with the task of shackling the prolific Dean Ashton, a striker who was being linked with the Black Cats only last week.

Ashton, who opened his seasonal account from the penalty spot as Crewe drew 2-2 with Cardiff last weekend, is one of the most sought-after strikers in the Coca-Cola Championship.

And, while McCarthy has made no new moves to sign the 20-year-old, he expects him to pose a potent threat tonight.

"He's a very talented striker," said the Sunderland boss. "Certainly one of the best in our division. But he won't get any special attention.

"I'd expect my defenders to be looking after anybody they're up against. If you're a centre back, and you're playing against him, you know you're going to have a difficult game. But it's one you should be relishing."

* The build-up to Alan Pardew's first Upton Park meeting with Reading since leaving the Royals last season has been overshadowed by speculation surrounding Michael Carrick's possible £3.5m switch to Arsenal.

The Hammers' boss will seek a first victory against his former charges tonight without his star midfielder.

Carrick will again be left out after missing the opening day goalless draw with Leicester, with Pardew admitting the England midfielder is unlikely to stay at Upton Park.

"It looks like he will go," the Hammers manager said. "I would like to keep him but it doesn't seem likely at this stage.

"Arsenal have made sounds they are going to be involved, but we haven't yet received an offer."

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