Matt Craddock’s Sunderland Under-21 side face PSG U21s tonight as they look to recover in the Premier League International Cup following their Premier League 2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers U21s.

Following the Black Cats poor run of form in domestic competitions as of recently, Sunderland could look to pick up all three points in the PL International Cup for the first time this season.

Last time out, they faced PSV U21s back in August at the Stadium of Light drawing 1-1 with Felix Scott scoring for the home side. However, in the last two consecutive games in this tournament the away side have lost 2-1 on two separate occasions to both Crystal Palace U21s and Brighton and Hove Albion U21s.

Currently, Sunderland occupies the 5th spot in Group D having played a game less than PSG who sit 7th with zero points. Both sides will be looking to capitalise on three points hoping to advance into the qualification stages as the top two automatically qualify into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Craddock’s side have been able to compete with much higher opposition in the EFL Trophy this season playing against first team sides such as Accrington Stanley, Sheffield Wednesday, and Salford City. It may give them more valuable experience going into games such as this as it helps develop certain players playing against much higher-level players.

Join the Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.

On the other hand, for PSG their top goalscorer so far has been 19-year-old forward Noa Bezeme. The Frenchman currently has two goals in two games and will be looking to add to his goal tally and may be one to look out for in this game for the visitors.

Both sides will be looking to better themselves in the group stage in this year’s version of the PL International Cup. The Black Cats under former coach Graeme Murty finished 3rd gathering seven points missing out on the qualification by two points. This was following a 3-1 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund II back in January.

As for PSG, it was the same as they accumulated seven points missing out narrowly by a mere two points as they finished in 4th place. Sunderland will be hoping to replicate the success they had nine and a half years ago reaching the final of this competition which was held at the Stadium of Light as they lost 5-0 to Porto. Porto ran out very much deserved winners that day, but the Black Cats will be hoping a chance of writing their own history if they can qualify.

This fixture itself is free for all season ticket holders and members of the club for this selected game via the club’s website.