Swindon Town face Sunderland at the County Ground in League One. The Robins come into the game after defeat to AFC Wimbledon last week.
Sunderland return to League action after missing out last week due to players' international duties. They contested a 0-0 draw away to Charlton in their last fixture.
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Team news
Both sides face increasing injury lists coming into the game following an intense start to the season after a lengthy break.
Swindon are expected to be without summer signing Brett Pitman after he was ruled out for a month with a groin injury.
Richie Wellens is also without Zeki Fryers after he recently sustained an injury. The manager told the Swindon Advertiser:
"We’ve got a big enough squad to cope, though. Defensively, we are OK. In midfield, we’re maybe a bit short, and certainly in attack.”
Sunderland have an injury crisis of their own. In defence, centre-backs Arbenit Xhemajli and Morgan Feeney are ruled out for the long term, whilst Tom Flanagan is suspended.
They managed to complete the signing of Wolves' 20-year-old defender Dion Sanderson on deadline day, however, he is lacking match sharpness so may miss out.
Denver Hume is also a doubt for the game with a groin knock, leaving space for Jack Diamond to start his first league game.
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Predicted lineups
Swindon Town: (4-2-3-1)
Kovar; Stevens, Baudry, Grounds, Donohuem, Grant, M.Smith, Payne, J. Smith, Jaiyesimi, T.Smith
Sunderland: (3-4-3)
Burge; Willis, Wright, O'Nien, Diamond, Leadbitter, Power, McLaughlin, Maguire, Grigg, Graham
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What the managers said
Richie Wellens has admitted that his injury woes are causing major issues when it comes to implementing a strategy.
Swindon have enjoyed two victories from five so far but their manager knows they may be in for a tough period. He added:
“I like my plan A to work, but I’m not stupid. We don’t know the bad luck with injuries that we’re going to have in games.
“We’ve got a plan B and C, but we don’t have the personnel to implement it at the moment.
Phil Parkinson has an equally threadbare squad in defence, albeit with a much bigger budget to fix the issues.
He was happy to give credit to Swindon for their strong start to life back in League One. Parkinson told the Sunderland Echo:
"They look to play good football and like to take risks at the back. They played through Wimbledon last week and were unlucky not to take anything from the game. It is our job now to look at their weaknesses and take advantage of them"
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Ones to watch
Jack Payne has impressed for Swindon so far this season. The midfielder has one goal and two assists to his name.
He is the creative engine of an open Swindon Town team, making 2.4 key passes per 90 minutes of football this season.
For Sunderland, Grant Leadbitter has been in inspired form since he returned to the side.
He scored the winner against Peterborough and has been a solid foundation for Sunderland's positive start to the season. He brings a calming presence by sitting in front of the defence, allowing more offensive players to fly forward.
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How to watch
Swindon Town vs Sunderland is available to watch via iFollow. Fans can access the game via Swindon Town's iFollow station, or by visiting Sunderland's club website.
