Sunderland head to Reading knowing a win will restore them to the Championship play-off places after a solid start to the campaign. The Black Cats have had to cope with losing their head coach Alex Neil to Stoke City with Tony Mowbray coming in to steady the ship.
The new head coach got off to a good start in his first game in charge, a 3-0 win over Rotherham United, even if the former Boro boss relinquished any responsibility for the three points. It was a more difficult outing last time out against his former club, Middlesbrough put in a convincing display to run out 1-0 winners at the Riverside.
The loss of Ross Stewart in the warm-up put a real dint in the Wearsiders' preparations. The clash with the Royals this evening will give supporters a first real chance to see how they'll cope without the Scottish striker and whether Mowbray will tinker with his sides' shape to accommodate some of their recent recruits.
READ MORE: Tony Mowbray on 'magic' Patrick Roberts and his 'scary' talent as Sunderland boss considers changes
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.
When's kick-off?
The game will kick-off at 8pm at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Wednesday, September 14.
Is it on TV?
The match is being broadcast by Sky Sports. It will be on the Sky Sports Football channel as well as the Sky app.
How do I live stream it?
As a result of Sky Sports' live coverage of the game, streaming passes will only be available to purchase in selected locations.
Any other ways to follow the game?
James Hunter will be in position at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to bring you all the latest team news, action and reaction throughout the night. You can follow that on Chronicle Live or by clicking here.
What are the other games taking place?
Elsewhere in the Championship, it is a full round of fixtures, spread over Tuesday night and Wednesday night. All kick-offs are 7.45pm unless stated otherwise.
Wednesday
Luton Town v Coventry City
Millwall v Queens Park Rangers
Norwich City v Bristol City
Rotherham United v Blackpool
West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City (8pm kick-off)
READ NEXT:
- Tony Mowbray puts a timescale on Edouard Michut's likely first-team introduction
- Tony Mowbray reveals Blackburn were plotting a summer move for Sunderland's Dan Neil
- Tony Mowbray on 'juggernaut' Sunderland, and his reunion with Stuart Harvey on Wearside
- Kristjaan Speakman sets out Sunderland's promotion ambitions, but admits it will take time
- Tony Mowbray backs Ellis Simms to shine during Ross Stewart's injury absence
