Sunderland return to action after the international break when they take on QPR in the Championship on Saturday.

Here are all the details you need to know about this weekend’s game…


WHERE IS THE GAME TAKING PLACE?

Having thrashed Southampton at the Stadium of Light in their final game prior to the international break, Sunderland head on their travels on Saturday as they take on QPR at Loftus Road.

The Black Cats have a reasonably good recent record at Loftus Road, having lost just one of their last four matches at the ground.

Last season’s fixture was an especially happy one for Sunderland, with a goal from Luke O’Nien and a second-half double from Jack Clarke securing a 3-0 away win.


WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF?

Saturday’s game kicks off at the traditional time of 3pm.


ARE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE?

No – Sunderland’s allocation of tickets for the away end at Loftus Road has completely sold out.

The Black Cats will be cheered on by a travelling contingent of 3,104 supporters in London.


IS THE GAME BEING TELEVISED OR STREAMED LIVE?

No– Saturday’s game is not being televised live. With the match falling within the 3pm window, there will be no domestic streaming service available.

The EFL highlights show will be broadcast on ITV4 at 9pm on Saturday evening.

Radio coverage of the game will be available on Radio Newcastle.


WHAT IS SUNDERLAND’S LIKELY LINE-UP?

Dan Ballard suffered an injury scare while on international duty with Northern Ireland, but the defender was passed fit for his side’s second game of the international break and should be available to face QPR.

The Black Cats confirmed the January signing of Nazariy Rusyn during the international break, with the Ukrainian striker’s visa application having been successful. Rusyn has been training with Sunderland’s first-team squad this week, but while he should be part of the squad at Loftus Road, he is unlikely to be in the starting side.

Patrick Roberts missed the win over Southampton that preceded the international break, but the winger has received a clean bill of health and is likely to be back in the XI on Saturday.

That will probably mean Abdoullah Ba dropping back down to the bench despite having impressed in the win over the Saints.

Sunderland (probable, 4-2-3-1): Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Cirkin; Neil, Ekwah; Roberts, Dack, Clarke; Bellingham.


HOW ARE QPR SHAPING UP?

Despite being touted as potential relegation candidates prior to the start of the season, QPR have fared reasonably well so far, picking up six points from their opening five matches to claim 17th position in the table.

They were too good for Middlesbrough in their last game prior to the international break, claiming a 2-0 win at the Riverside thanks to goals from Andre Dozzell and former Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback.

Another former Sunderland player could line up against his old club on Saturday, with ex-Black Cats loanee Jimmy Dunne set to make his first appearance of the season for QPR. Dunne dislocated his shoulder during a pre-season friendly against Oxford, but was back in training during the international break.

Lyndon Dykes missed QPR’s last three matches because of a knee issue, but the striker proved his wellbeing as he appeared as a second-half substitute in Scotland’s friendly defeat to England on Tuesday night.

QPR (probable, 3-4-3): Begovic; Dunne, Cook, Fox; Smyth, Field, Colback, Paal; Dozzell, Dykes, Chair.