SUNDERLAND return to Championship action when they take on Preston North End at Deepdale on Wednesday night.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.

WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF?

The game kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday night.

Sunderland will be hoping to fare better than they have done on their last two visits to Deepdale.

The Black Cats were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the first round by tonight's opponents this season and lost 2-1 at Deepdale in the Championship last term.

They did, however, win 3-0 at North End on the final day of the 2022/23 season when Tony Mowbray's side secured a place in the Championship play-offs.

ARE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE?

No. Sunderland confirmed at the start of this week that tickets would be taken off sale at noon on Tuesday.

HOW CAN I WATCH THE GAME?

Preston vs Sunderland is the feature Championship fixture on Wednesday and will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.

It's one of five Championship games taking place on Wednesday night, with the other four matches to be shown on Sky Sports+.

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

We'll be running our live blog from Deepdale throughout the evening and will provide full analysis and reaction after the game online and in the paper.

WHAT IS SUNDERLAND'S LIKELY LINE-UP?

Sunderland will be without Jobe Bellingham, who is serving the first of a three game ban after his sending off at QPR.

Regis Le Bris has confirmed Alan Browne will start, while Chris Rigg is available again.

Dan Ballard is also now fully fit but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench. Anthony Patterson is again expected to miss out.

Wilson Isidor is likely to keep his place in attack, with Aaron Connolly and Eliezer Mayenda again set to have to settle for a spot on the bench.

PREDICTED XI: Patterson, Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Browne, Rigg; Roberts, Mundle, Isidor

HOW ARE PRESTON SHAPING UP?

Preston were managerless when they beat Sunderland in the Carabao Cup earlier this season following Ryan Lowe's exit.

Paul Heckingbottom took charge and has had a decent enough start to life at North End.

They were unbeaten in five prior to their weekend defeat to Bristol City. That was only their second home defeat this season.

North End will be without Will Keane, Robbie Brady, Patrick Bauer and Milutin Osmajic.