The Reserves team boss is expected to have Stan Lazaridis in his squad for the game at the Archibald Stadium. The Aussie winger looking to step-up his match fitness after four weeks out with a hamstring strain.
Blues Reserves have already faced Sunderland Reserves at home this season when they recorded a 3-0 win against the Black Cats second string in their opening game of this season at Damson Park back in August.
In the corresponding fixture last season, on 10th December 2003, Blues Reserves were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Sunderland Reserves.
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2004/2005 | 11th Aug | Blues Res | 3 - 0 | Sunderland Res | PREM |
| 2003/2004 | 10th Dec | Sunderland Res | 3 - 0 | Blues Res | PREM |
Blues Reserves have won 8, drawn 3 and lost 3 of their opening 14 league games this season. A total of 18 goals have been scored in those games, with 13 conceded.
Sunderland's Reserves have played two games fewer than Blues but have won just 2 of their opening 12 fixtures and have lost 8. While the Black Cats have hit 11 goals in these games, 21 have hit the back of the wrong net.
Blues' 27 points from 14 games sees them sitting in 3rd place in the Barclays Premiership Reserves League (North) table. Sunderland currently find themselves bottom of the table with 8 points.
To see a recent reserves league table, click here
| Current form guides: | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Blues Res | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| Sunderland Res | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
Kick off at Durham FC's Archibald Stadium tonight is at 7pm.