The first Wear-Tees derby in more than three years comes in the fourth round of the FA Cup as Sunderland host Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light. That game ended in a 1-1 draw and both sides will be looking for victory to get their name in the hat for tonight’s fifth round draw. Martin O’Neill has revitalised Sunderland since his appointment in early December and has lifted them into the top half of the table. The Black Cats beat Pe...More

Ahead of his first game in charge, a 2-1 win at home to Blackburn Rovers, Martin O’Neill witnessed Sunderland’s reserves side demolish Manchester United in a 6-3 thriller. Ryan Noble, who has netted 13 in six starts for the second string, scored four, but it was 22-year-old winger James McClean that caught O’Neill’s eye: “In my first week, we played a reserve game in dreadful conditions. The wind was 70mph but McClean was absolutely sup...More

Sunderland’s revival under Martin O’Neill faces another serious test as the Black Cats travel to Stamford Bridge to take on a Chelsea side looking to get back into the top four. O’Neill’s side are on the back of a four match unbeaten run since the appointment of the Northern Irish manager and emphatically dispatched Wigan 4-1 in their last outing. Sunderland also have Manchester City on their scalp list and will be confident his side c...More

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is facing a challenge ahead of the visit of Premier League leaders Man City on New Year’s Day, with three key players absent. The Shields Gazette is reporting that defenders Phil Bardsley and Titus Bramble, who were both taken off during the Boxing Day draw with Everton with thigh and Achilles injuries respectively, are almost certainly ruled out of the clash. The pair also appear unlikely to feature in T...More

New Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill takes charge of his fourth game as Black Cats manager against Everton at the Stadium of Light. O’Neill has improved the resiliency in the Sunderland side and they have won two of the first three games under the Northern Irishman. The Black Cats left it late to get all three points against QPR on Wednesday night. Sunderland were 2-0 ahead, but lost the lead to 2-2 before Wes Brown’s winner. O’Neill ...More

High-flying Tottenham face a rejuvenated Sunderland in Martin O'Neill's first away game as Black Cats manager. Sunderland came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Blackburn last weekend. O'Neill inspired the club to victory with some key tactical decisions, but faces a sterner test against Harry Redknapp's side. Nicklas Bendtner and Lee Cattermole were arrested and bailed earlier this week on suspicion of criminal damage, but are avai...More