Preview | Sunderland (H)
The Game
Argyle v Sunderland. Home Park. Saturday, 14 September. 3pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Opposition
Sunderland are the only team in the EFL to have won four games out of four so far this season. The Black Cats began with a 2-0 win at Cardiff City and followed up with home victories over Sheffield Wednesday (4-0) and Burnley (1-0). Portsmouth became the only side to score against Sunderland when they netted in the most recent fixture – and even then it was a consolation goal in injury time in a 3-1 Sunderland win.
The Gaffer
Regis Le Bris was a surprise choice as Sunderland’s new manager when he was appointed in the summer of 2024, but things are certainly working out well for him thus far.
The 48-year-old Frenchman worked in the academy systems of Wasquehal, Rennes and Lorient, before being made the latter’s B-team manager, and then first-team boss. In his two seasons at the helm, Lorient finished 10th, then were relegated, but after leaving the French side, he quickly pitched up on Wearside to take over at Sunderland in June 2024.
The Squad
Three Sunderland players have scored two league goals each this season. Defender and captain Luke O’Nien is one, though his own goal is the only goal Sunderland have conceded this season. O’Nien played 116 times for Wycombe before signing for Sunderland in 2018. He now has 268 appearances for the Black Cats.
Spanish forward Eliezer Mayenda (below) played only 12 times last season for Sunderland after signing from Sochaux in the summer of 2023, but the 19-year-old has started all four league games this season, scoring a brace against Sheffield Wednesday.
The other player on two goals is Romaine Mundle, another player who has benefit from the arrival of Le Bris. He signed in January 2024, making his debut as a substitute against Argyle, and playing here and there, but this season he has come off the bench in two games and started the last two, scoring in both.
Last Season’s Meetings
Argyle won the home game against Sunderland in November, with Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz on target. Away from home, in February, the Greens led via a Ryan Hardie goal, but Sunderland recovered in the second half to win 3-1.
Tickets
The game is sold out for home supporters. If you have a season ticket and cannot attend the match, you can make your ticket available via the Ticket Exchange and receive face value credit if your ticket is resold.
Find out more about the Ticket Exchange.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s coverage will begin at 10am, with the new Argyle Breakfast show, hosted by Erin Black and Aaron Cusack. They will bring you build-up, interviews, guests and features throughout the morning, from the Argyle TV studio.
Erin will return at 2.30pm for the pre-match show, accompanied by Brian McGlinchey, which will be live on YouTube from pitchside as the atmosphere for the fixture builds. Commentary for the game will be provided by Rob McNichol and Ian Stonebridge.
Match passes to watch this game are available to international audiences and can be purchased here.
