The Sunderland youngster certainly has something to do with the early exchanges.

With the capture of Leadbitter and the possession of Bahambula, he was forced into another rescue.

He was able to forge some space to the right of the area, but his drive was well guarded by Patterson.

That’s the best chance Sunderland has ever had.

Scoven plays the ball to the right, where he catches the diamond and reaches the byline.

He overtakes Maguire, who sends the best stroke to the target with the delivery’s chest – forcing Loeler to defend at his fingertips.

As for the weekend, they have seen a lot of the ball but have not been threatened yet.

They have now made at least one attempt for the target.

After Diamond won a corner, Flanagan sent a header straight to the Oldham stopper. It could have found a way with a little more power

After falling behind, the black cats move forward – and Grig appears to have blocked a shot, which turns into Maguire.

However, he was only able to send his volley in height and width.

Sunderland is behind – in the balance of the game, you have to say it makes sense.

The goal came after a strong run by Bahamboula, who went ahead and did not block the Black Cats.

He was able to find Bobby Grant with the time and space to line up a shot from 25 yards, which bounced into the lower corner.

Patterson may have thought he could have done better, but Sunderland had to stop long before the shot.

With the exception of Patterson saving from Rowe, he has yet to get any clear chances.

Sunderland are sending out a lot of their rights but have not yet created an opportunity.

After the power was released, McLaughlin delivered a good ball, but Grigg could not get in front of Lawler because Oldham’s keeper kept the low delivery.

A great early stop by Anthony Patterson.

Maguire’s pass is too short to steal possession for Leadbitter and Danny Rowe. He exploded wide and tested his luck from the range, but Patterson moved to his right and swung the strike.

Early warning for black cats

Well, there are still a few things to write home about. Oldham won a wide free kick early on, but the Black Cats handled it well.

Johnson started 4-3-3 again with Diamond on the right and Maguire on the left.

Oldham Start us here.

Jamie McAllister – Lee Johnson confirmed yesterday that he will join the club’s coaching staff – traveled tonight.

Players come out of the tunnel as we prepare for the kick off (some steep stairs, it is better not to slip).

Lee Johnson is already in touchline and is returning to the club where he started his managerial career.

Tonight he hopes to have the first victory of his reign under his belt

Both teams went back to the warmth of the dressing room and we will start this soon.

As always, make sure you follow all the important updates here!

We expect the black cats to line up in 4-3-3 form this evening as they did over the weekend.

That means Jack Diamond will play a more extensive wide player, along with Chris Maguire on the other side of Will Grigg.

Well, after that play, the warm-up matches are going on and Sunderland is getting ready for the game tonight.

It’s a very cold evening at Oldham (always seems to be in Boundary Park, from my experience) – so players definitely need it!

Dion Sanderson is out with the arrival of Tom Flanagan.

Dan Neal stepped onto the bench in place of Flanagan.

So the Sunderland side is now: Patterson; McLaughlin, Flanagan, Wright, McFadzin; Scoven, Power, Leadbitter; Diamond, Maguire, Grigg

Bench: Mathews, Neil, Dobson, McGeady, Abraham, Wyke, Embleton

Tonight’s game will now kickoff at 6:20 p.m.

The Sunderland squad has now arrived in the game and is preparing for the clash.