The 2017/18 Championship season is now well underway with another full set of fixtures to come this weekend. Simon Grayson will face his former club Leeds United on Saturday as the Whites travel to The Stadium of Light to face Grayson’s new side, Sunderland. It will certainly be an exciting game as both sides have had a mediocre start to the season.
Leeds had the opportunity to build on their superb start which saw them win 3-2 away at Bolton Wanderers by picking up another two wins in their back-to-back home games that followed. However, it did not turn out that way as both Preston North End and Fulham held them to a goalless draw.
As for Sunderland, they have adapted to life in The Championship a lot better than most people expected. They have so far picked up five points from their three games which were arguably tough fixtures against the likes of Derby County, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday. They will certainly be looking to build on this good start against Leeds this weekend.
We take a look at five players who could potentially have an impact on this fascinating encounter.
2. Lewis Grabban
The 29-year-old striker arrived at The Stadium of Light earlier this summer on a season-long loan from Premier League side Bournemouth. It has taken him no time to settle into life back in The Championship which comes as no surprise due to his prolific record in front of goal at this level.
He scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Derby to claim his side a point on the opening day of the season. He then followed this up with another two goals against his former club Norwich in a 3-1 win at Carrow Road the following weekend. He appears to be the player who Sunderland will rely on to score goals on a regular basis this season as they look to push for immediate promotion back to the top flight.
