Key Sunderland man ruled out of Luton Town clash, duo doubtful

Sunderland take on Luton Town in the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Saturday.

The opener takes place at the Stadium of Light. It's the second season in a row that Sunderland have qualified for the play-offs, but this time round they're battling for a place in the Premier League.

Tony Mowbray could yet steer Sunderland to a remarkable promotion to the Premier League after Alex Neil guided the club to promotion from League One last season.

But it won't be easy against a Luton Town side who finished in 3rd. And Sunderland's task will be made harder by the amount of injuries they've got in their camp right now.

Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's game, Mowbray revealed that Dan Ballard won't feature, whilst doubts remain over Lynden Gooch and Dennis Cirkin who both picked up injury in the final day game v Preston North End.

Mowbray's options...

Mowbray's options for these play-off fixtures are looking light, particularly in defence.

Ballard is joined by the likes of Aji Alese, Danny Batth, and Niall Huggins on the sidelines, with Jewison Bennette, Elliot Embleton, Corry Evans, and Ross Stewart making up the rest of Sunderland's injury list - and then Gooch and Cirkin who remain doubts.

But Sunderland have coped with a lengthy injury list all season and now that they're in the play-offs, there's even less pressure on them to go on and succeed.

Luton Town though will be a very real threat to Sunderland. The Hatters have been the best of the rest this season and they'll be expected to beat Sunderland here, and perhaps go on to win promotion after a stunning season so far.

Saturday's game kicks off at 5:30pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Mowbray's options...

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