Jason Wilcox’s men are now unbeaten since last September, and have a five point lead at the summit of the u18 Premier League, as well as a two game advantage over their nearest challengers, Everton.
The Toffees were brushed aside 4-1 at Platt Lane in November, while Stoke were the victims in the last league outing two weeks ago. Bersant Celina emerged from the bench to grab a brace, while Pablo Maffeo and Potters went down 4-0 to the rampant boy Blues.
Since then, City have booked a place in the next round of the prestigious FA Youth Cup with victory over Hereford United at Ewen Fields. Over 300 supporters were in attendance as the Blues saw off the Bulls after extra time to book a fifth round date with Tottenham or Fulham, who meet at the end of the month.
Striker Thierry Ambrose remains in fine form – his brace against Hereford took his tally to 12 for the season, while Celina was also on target to make it three in two games for the young Norwegian.
Wilcox will be hoping his young side can continue a stunning run of form against the Black Cats, after seeing his side claim victory when the two sides last met at the Academy of Light last August.
Sunderland have lost twice to neighbours Newcastle in the last fortnight, going down by a single goal in the league but suffering a 4-0 thumping to exit the FA Youth Cup on Monday night.
Kick off is at 12.30pm at Platt Lane (M14 7UU). We’ll have goal updates on twitter, as well as a full match report on mcfc.co.uk.
