Sunderland have done exceptionally well in cup competitions so far this season, escaping the pressures of a tough Premier League campaign by reaching the League Cup final. They'll no doubt try to repeat the feat in the FA Cup, and are bidding for a quarterfinal place against Southampton in Saturday's early kickoff.
Sunderland vs. Southampton: Preview and TV schedule
An all-Premier League tie kicks off the FA Cup action on Saturday, as Sunderland welcome Southampton to the Stadium of Light.
Chris Brunskill
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The Black Cats have been on the rise of late while the Saints have stalled, though Mauricio Pochettino’s outfit are ten league places higher than their relegation-threatened opponents. However, Sunderland have already proven that form counts for little when it comes to the cups, and with home advantage, Gus Poyet’s side will no doubt be feeling confident.
However, they'll be without a string of first-team regulars. As per usual Wes Brown is out suspended, while Steven Fletcher, Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuéllar are all injured. Southampton have fared rather better on the injury front, though will still be without defender Dejan Lovren and attacking midfielder Gastón Ramírez.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Wes Brown (suspended), Carlos Cuéllar (hip), Steven Fletcher (Achilles), Keiren Westwood (shoulder). In doubt: None.
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Gastón Ramírez (ankle), Dejan Lovren (ankle). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Sunderland: Vito Mannone; Marcos Alonso, John O'Shea, Santiago Vergini, Phil Bardsley; Liam Bridcutt; Fabio Borini, Jack Colback, Ki Sung-Yueng, Adam Johnson; Jozy Altidore.
Southampton: Artur Boruc; Luke Shaw, Maya Yoshida, José Fonte, Calum Chambers; Morgan Schneiderlin, Jack Cork; Jay Rodriguez, Steven Davis, Adam Lallana; Rickie Lambert.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
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