Doncaster Rovers taking nothing for granted at Sunderland’s unhappy home

Sunderland have won just four of 13 home games in League One this season with their four defeats so far double their combined losses for their two previous seasons in the division.

The absence of supporters due to the Covid-19 pandemic is the most obvious reason for the change in fortunes for a club that has a passionate and vocal following.

And Rovers boss Moore admits it will be an odd experience wasling out at a deserted Stadium of Light.

“It’ll seem strange, going up there and playing in that empty stadium,” he said.

“It’ll be an experience in itself.

“It’s maybe one of those things they’ve looked at that has brought them huge success over the years but I still think on Saturday we’ll be faced with formidable opponents and we’ll still have to be on top of our game.”

Rovers have experienced a wide variety of styles of opposition in recent weeks and Moore believes Sunderland will provide something different yet again.

“It could be different entirely again,” he said.

“It could be a quick tempo, fast paced game. It’s another football game.

“They’re a talented group and certainly at the level we’re at they’ve always been challenging and they’re there again this season.

“It’ll be a real good game of football again, I envision that on Saturday.

“With the results both sides had in midweek, it’s two teams looking to get back on track.

“We know all about the club. For the level we’re at they are a huge club.

“A good team with a good manager

“We know we’re coming up against tough opposition

“We’re going to have to perform to a real high level to get anything out of it and that’s what we’ve been working on.”

Sunderland defender Jordan Willis will be out for the rest of the season after rupturing his patella tendon in their defeat at Shrewsbury Town in midweek.

New signing Ross Stewart has not recovered from a hamstring injury while Tom Flanagan is unlikely to feature.

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