Liam Lawrence News Today

"For some reason so many of the memories I call to mind of my father are sports related, and he wasnt a big sports man. He didnt even own a pair of runne...

Boss Paul Jewell says he won’t make any rash changes to his side when Portsmouth visit Portman Road on Saturday despite Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to league leaders QPR. The Town manager, who will have to make one change with Colin Healy out injured, has generally been pleased with his side’s recent performances but feels they can do better in front of goal.

Michael Chopra’s 13th minute goal saw the Blues to three wins on the trot for the first time this season as they left Portsmouth with a 1-0 victory. Town started strongly and were deservedly up at the break and had plenty of chances to add to their lead in both halves.

Town boss Jim Magilton continues to wait on midfielder Owen Garvan ahead of Saturdays home game with Stoke City. The Irishman has been suffering with flu for the last few days and is considered a doubt.

Town visit boss Paul Lambert’s former club Stoke City on Saturday looking for only their second win of the season and the first since the change of manager.

Loanee defender Darren O’Dea has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Norway in Dublin on Wednesday. The Celtic man was named in the preliminary squad but Town were in talks with the FAI regarding his inclusion in the final party.

Left-back Tyrone Mings was back in action for the Blues as a late sub at Sheffield Wednesday having been out since suffering a knee injury at Reading on the opening day of the season with manager Mick McCarthy delighted to have the 20-year-old, who will play for the U21s at Millwall today, available again.

All the key statistics, figures and history between Sunderland AFC and Cardiff City ahead of Easter Monday's showdown.

All the key statistics, figures and history between Sunderland AFC and Cardiff City ahead of Easter Monday's showdown.

Former Sunderland defender and SAFC Live pundit Danny Collins recalls his time at Stoke City ahead of Saturday's meeting in the Sky Bet Championship.