How Sunderland have performed in last five Carabao Cup ahead of Huddersfield tie
Sunderland were given a bye into the second round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since their relegation from the Premier League in 2017.
All focus will understandably be on making a statement in the top-flight and avoiding relegation, but the cup offers an opportunity for Regis Le Bris to bring players up to fitness and offer youngsters a chance.
The likes of Dan Neil and Chris Rigg have benefited from domestic competitions in the past, and the Black Cats will no doubt keep their reputation of developing youngsters this season.
The Carabao Cup offers Sunderland an opportunity to bring in a bit more money, but they haven’t made much use of the competition in recent years.
Next up is Huddersfield at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.
Sunderland have made it past the Carabao Cup first round once in last five years
Sunderland got off to a fine start to the Premier League when they beat West Ham 3-0, but struggled in the 2-0 defeat against fellow promoted side Burnley.
Whatever squad Le Bris plays against Huddersfield, they will be hoping to get back on track against the League One side.
However, their form in the Carabao Cup doesn’t favour them, having made it past the first round once in their last five attempts.
Sunderland’s last five Carabao Cup campaigns:
- 2024-25: Eliminated in the First Round, losing 2-0 to Preston North End.
- 2023-24: Knocked out in the First Round on penalties by Crewe Alexandra after a 1-1 draw.
- 2022-23: They were eliminated in the First Round, losing 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.
- 2021-22: This was their most successful run in the last five years. Reached the Quarter-Finals, losing 5-1 to Arsenal.
- 2020-21: Eliminated in the First Round, losing to Hull City in a penalty shootout after the game finished 0-0.
The Black Cats have a reputation for struggling in their first-round games, and even struggled against League Two opposition in Crewe Alexandra in 2023/24.
In their previous Carabao Cup game, Huddersfield beat Leicester on penalties, and the Terriers have won four games from five in League One.
What is Sunderland’s record vs Huddersfield?
Le Bris has yet to come up against Huddersfield, so it will be interesting to see how the battle plays out between the two sides.
Huddersfield have been tough opposition for Sunderland in the past, with the West Yorkshire side having lost just once in their last five games against them.
- February 14, 2024: Huddersfield 1-0 Sunderland (Championship)
- November 29, 2023: Sunderland 1-2 Huddersfield (Championship)
- April 18, 2023: Sunderland 1-1 Huddersfield (Championship)
- November 2, 2022: Huddersfield 0-2 Sunderland (Championship)
- September 23, 2003: Sunderland 2-4 Huddersfield (EFL Cup)
Despite the game not meaning as much for the Mackems, there is still a need to win the game, to put them in good standing for their game against Brentford on 30 August.
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