Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sunderland v Barrow

Sunderland    v    Barrow

    FA Cup third round
    Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Saturday, 2 January Kick-off: 1500 GMT
    Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score

    TEAM NEWS

    Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is expected to name the same side that drew with Blackburn in the Premier League.

    Bruce still has a host of players out through injury, while Michael Turner is suspended and Steed Malbranque is a doubt with a thigh strain.

    Barrow are unbeaten since late November but have only played twice since 8 December, the latest being the 3-3 draw with Gateshead on Boxing Day.

    They have a full squad available as they look to pull off a cup shock.

    BIG-MATCH FACTS

    The tie in context

    • This David versus Goliath contest is one of two pitting a Premier League giant with a non-league minnow.

    • Barrow are one of four clubs ensuring a presence from the Blue Square Premier in the third round.

    Gulf in class

    • Sunderland are 98 places higher than Barrow in the pecking order; it is the widest gulf in class in the third round.

    Head-to-head

    FA Cup records and best performances

    • These clubs are meeting in a competitive game for the first time.

    The clubs

    SUNDERLAND

    Current form

    • Not won in seven (D3, L4 - all Premier League games).

    • The 1-0 home triumph over Arsenal on 21 November is their only victory in 12 league and cup outings.

    FA Cup form

    • Sunderland have failed to progress beyond the third round in two of the last seven attempts.

    • The 1937 and 1973 winners were last knocked out by a non-league club in 1949. Southern League Yeovil won a fourth round tie 2-1 after extra time, on their famous sloping Huish pitch.


    BARROW

    Current form

    • Undefeated in seven (W3, D4).

    FA Cup form

    • Barrow have qualified for the third round for the second year running. Twelve months ago they faced Premier League Middlesbrough at the Riverside, and lost 2-1.

    • They have never knocked out a top-flight club.

    Replay date

    Tuesday, 12 January (Kick off: 1945)

    Match officials

    Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)

    Assistant referees: Dave Bryan & Dean Mohareb

    Fourth official: Jock Waugh

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