Sunderland return to Championship action when they take on Watford on Saturday.

Here are all the details you need to know about the game…


WHERE IS THE GAME TAKING PLACE?

Having triumphed in the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light last weekend, Sunderland head out on the road to take on Watford at Vicarage Road.

The Black Cats have a poor recent record at the ground as they have failed to win any of their last six away matches against Watford. Their last win at Vicarage Road came in November 1999, with Sunderland triumphing 3-2 thanks to a brace from Kevin Phillips and a goal from Gavin McCann.

Last season’s corresponding fixture finished in a 1-0 victory to Watford with Ryan Andrews scoring the only goal of the game midway through the second half.


WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF?

Saturday’s game is a traditional 3pm kick-off.


ARE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE?

No – Sunderland’s allocation for the away end at Vicarage Road is completely sold out.

Regis Le Bris’ side will be roared on by a travelling contingent of 2,104 away fans.


IS THE GAME BEING TELEVISED OR STREAMED LIVE?

No, the game has not been selected for live TV broadcast. A Championship highlights show will be screened at 9pm on ITV4.

As the game falls in the 3pm Saturday blackout period, there will be no domestic streaming available.

Radio commentary for the match will be available on BBC Radio Newcastle.


WHAT IS SUNDERLAND’S LIKELY LINE-UP?

Regis Le Bris has no new selection problems to contend with in the wake of last weekend’s derby win, although summer signing Salis Abdul Samed remains unavailable.

Alan Browne is a doubt because of a knee injury, although there is a chance the Irish midfielder could be passed fit to be part of the squad.

Le Bris’ main selection dilemma comes at the heart of the back four, where Chris Mepham made an impressive debut against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Dan Ballard was only on the bench against Boro after missing training in the previous week, but the Northern Ireland international will hope to return to the starting line-up against Watford.

Sunderland (probable, 4-3-3): Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Cirkin; Bellingham, Neil, Rigg; Roberts, Mayenda, Mundle.


HOW ARE WATFORD SHAPING UP?

Watford head into the weekend sitting in eighth position in the Championship table, having picked up ten points from their opening six games.

They are unbeaten at Vicarage Road, having claimed two wins and a draw from their three home league games. Tom Cleverley’s side have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions though, and followed up last weekend’s 4-1 thumping at Norwich City with a midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City.

Goalkeeper Dan Bachmann missed the game at the Etihad after sustaining a muscular injury in the defeat at Norwich and is also expected to be absent against Sunderland.

Defender Francisco Sierralta and midfielder Ryan Andrews were also absent on Tuesday night, and are doubts for Saturday’s game.

Watford (probable, 3-4-3): Bond; Pollock, Ogbonna, Morris; Ince, Dele-Bashiru, Sissoko, Sema; Chakvetadze, Jebbison, Vata.