Sunderland v Burnley: Lynden Gooch relishes return to action in crucial clash

The Black Cats, six points from safety, host Burnley at the Stadium of Light today, 13 days after their last Premier League match.

Last weekend’s match with Middlesbrough – still to be rearranged – was postponed due to Boro’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s City, of course, beat Sunderland last time out in the Premier League.

And with just 11 games to go, relegation-threatened Sunderland are in desperate need of three points against Burnley to kick-start their survival hopes ahead of the international break.

After this weekend’s fixtures, Premier League and Championship sides face a break until April 1, when Sunderland travel to Watford.

“We just need to get back at it,” said Gooch.

“Manchester City are a tough side to play against, we all know that, and I don’t think many people would have expected us to get much. Now, though, we have to regroup and get ready for a big game against Burnley.

“We kept on going against Man City even when it was 2-0.

“We were unlucky to concede just before half-time because we were well in the game and had hit the post – if that had gone in, it would have been a completely different game and we might have gone on to win it.

“But those are the small margins and we just have to hope that we will have some luck go our way in the run-in.”

The Premier League is yet to rearrange Sunderland’s crucial game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside. A decision is finally expected early next week.

Sunderland’s game at Arsenal on April 22 must also be rearranged after the Gunners reached the FA Cup semis.