Sunderland return to Milton Keynes once more on Saturday afternoon, this time in Sky Bet League One, as the Lads face the second of back-to-back visits to MK Dons following Tuesdayâs 3-0 victory in the Papa Johnâs Trophy quarter-finals.
The Lads now come back to Stadium MK in league action, as we look to reinforce our place amongst the top six.
Form guide
As alluded to in the preview for Tuesday nightâs encounter, Sunderland currently sit on 40 points in sixth place of the table; MK Dons are 16
th, on 31 points having played a game more.
The Black Cats have ensured we head into the weekend on a positive note over our opponents, having put them to the sword through goals from Aiden McGeady, Charlie Wyke and a Dean Lewington own goal in midweek.
Sunderland are back on the road and face the first of consecutive trips to Milton Keynes in a four-day period this Tuesday night â with a place in the last four of the Papa Johnâs Trophy at stake.
The Lads stand two wins from Wembley in this seasonâs competition, and can additionally use the midweek contest at Stadium MK to avenge Novemberâs league defeat to Russell Martinâs team.
Form guide
The Lads will look to return to winning ways in Buckinghamshire after being pegged back in Saturdayâs 2-2 draw with Gillingham at the Stadium of Light.
‘I want him’: Manager determined to sign Sunderland man before Monday deadline
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Sunderland’s Will Grigg has emerged as a target for League One rivals Oxford United with manager Karl Robinson confirming his interest in the struggling striker, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
While MK Dons boss Russell Martin rubbished reports linking him with a move for the Northern Ireland international earlier this week, Robinson has now done precisely the opposite.
With just three days left before the January transfer window closes, a resurgent Oxford side are looking to strengthen their front line with a striker who fired Wigan Athletic to the third-tier title in 2018.
Report: Sunderland may offload two big-name players to raise funds for signing
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Danny Graham and Will Grigg are facing uncertain futures at Sunderland with The Sun (24 January, page 59) reporting Lee Johnson wants to free up funds for signings.
With Johnson confirming his desire for fresh blood in the final third after Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Shrewsbury Town, the writing is on the wall for two strikers who have fallen well short of expectations on Wearside (Chronicle).
Grigg, the £4 million millstone hanging around Sunderland’s neck, continues to make a mockery of the Stewart Donald era, netting just eight times in 61 games for the club he joined from Wigan Athletic two years ago.