Full Time: SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKBURN. The game comes to a close and ends in a draw. Neither side will feel they had done enough to win the game but Roberts will be kicking himself for that late miss.
90
Jason Roberts put in behind here from a long ball over the top, he rounded Fulop well but he side footed the ball wide under pressure from Nosworthy. What a miss! He knows he should have won it for Blackburn there.
90
Substitution
Aaron Mokoena comes on to replace the injured Ryan Nelsen for the last few moments.
89
A long ball into the box is headed away by Ooijer but it falls for Leadbitter who drives it first time but it's straight at Robinson who clutches the ball into his chest.
87
Substitution
Matt Derbyshire comes into the action upfront, replacing Benni McCarthy.
83
Malbranque breaks forward and tries to slide a killer pass into Cisse but it is slightly off target and runs through to Paul Robinson.
80
Substitution
Richardson is also withdrawn and the young Grant Leadbitter comes on to replace him. Will the fresh legs make the difference?
80
Substitution
Murphy comes on to replace Cisse as Ricky Sbragia looks to offer something different up front.
79
Sunderland have a corner which Reid will take. Once again, the corner is poor and cleared at the near post without any difficulty for the Rovers defence.
78
Malbranque flicks the ball into Cisse who runs at Nelsen, cuts inside and shoots but Nelsen stands up well and makes the block.
78
McCarthy battles hard and keeps the ball on the right hand side before digging out a cross onto the head of Roberts but it was just too high for him and the header goes over.
74
As we go into the final stages of this match it could still go either way. Sunderland have a corner after Malbranque's cross is deflected behind off Warnock.
70
A scramble in the Rovers box but the ball just won't fall for a Sunderland player and in the end Tugay is able to smash the ball out of the danger zone.
68
Emerton forces a corner on the right hand side - Pedersen will swing it in - The corner is blocked at the near post and the ball goes behind for a goal-kick.
65
The ball in from Malbranque delivered to the backpost finds Richardson who cushions the ball back into the path of Cisse who volleys from the edge of the area but he rifles it just over. What a strike from Cisse.
61
Substitution
The experienced Tugay comes on for David Dunn who still lacks full fitness after his recent injury troubles.
61
Substitution
The tiring Tainio is withdrawn and replaced by Dean Whitehead. Richardson is likely to occupy the left flank with Whitehead playing in the centre of midfield.
59
Great interplay on the edge of the box and Andrews burst through the heart of the defence and finding space in the box but his toe-poked effort was turned wide by Fulop to deny the midfielder.
57
Great ball in by Andy Reid and it forces Samba to head it behind and concede the corner - Reid's corner is headed away by the first defender and the opportunity is wasted.
55
Malbranque wins the ball deep in the Blackburn half and drives forward. His shot is blocked and falls for Jones who shoots but again it's blocked and as it falls for Cisse, the assistant raises his flag. Cisse was offside.
53
Jones leads a swift counter and plays the ball to Malbranque who touches it into the path of the overlapping Bardsley but the full-back's cross is a poor one and Robinson collects.
52
Blackburn win a free-kick as Emerton is brought down having beaten Collins coming inside - The ball is placed, on the edge of the box on the right hand side and Pedersen is over it - He bends it left-footed but it cannons back off the post!
49
Kenwyne Jones turns on a sixpence inside the box and goes down under Ooijer's challenge but the referee says 'No penalty' and the game continues.
48
Emerton crosses from deep aiming at McCarthy but the ball is just behind the striker and it rolls for a throw-in.
47
Yellow Card
Samba is cautioned for the handball.
46
The ball has come in from the right hand side and it ricochets into the goal among a mass of confusion. Sunderland appeal for handball and the referee awards a free-kick for handball against Samba and the goal won't stand.
Second half
Blackburn get the second half underway.
Half time
Half Time: SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKBURN. A disappointing first half. Sunderland have had the best of the limited chances but are yet to break down the organised Rovers defence. The second half can only get better.
44
Sunderland pressuring at the end of the half. Andy Reid whips the ball in from the left hand side and Jones rises to meet it but he can't get high enough to head the ball down and it goes for a goal-kick.
41
Ooijer plays the ball into the feet of McCarthy who tries to turn but a sliding challenge from Nosworthy wins the ball for Sunderland and sends McCarthy down in a heap. Martin Atkinson waves away the appeals for a free-kick.
37
Blackburn have a free-kick around 25 yards from goal as McCarthy is fouled and Pedersen will fancy this one. Dunn takes it but his shot is charged down by Richardson racing out of the wall.
33
Great play from Reid on the left hand side and he lifts the ball into the danger zone but it's too strong for Jones and Cisse and Robinson is able to gather.
31
Steed Malbranque links up with Bardsley and skips through the Rovers defence but he can't quite pick out Jones and the ball runs through to Robinson.
31
Yellow Card
Benni McCarthy is booked for a late tackle as he tried to charge down a Bardsley clearance. That was a little harsh in my opinion.
27
Richardson plays the ball into the path of Collins on the left hand side, he plays it back to Reid who delivers towards Jones who goes down - No penalty - The ball breaks to Bardsley but he fires fractionally wide.
22
Good move from Sunderland as they move the ball around. It is played into Cisse who turned it into the run of Jones before he was fouled by Ooijer.
22
Yellow Card
Andre Ooijer becomes the first player to be cautioned as he throws an arm into the face of Kenwyne Jones who was running past him.
19
Dangerous set piece for Blackburn that Pedersen will deliver. The winger whips the ball in left-footed but it flies into the arms of Fulop.
15
Again Sunderland attacking on the right hand side and the ball into the box is headed out by Nelsen but only far as Malranque but his volley sails high over the bar.
14
Emerton brings the ball forward on the right hand side and angles his cross towards McCarthy who meets it with his head but under pressure from the defender, the effort goes tamely wide.
10
Bardsley finds space on the right, crosses towards Cisse who flicks the ball to the back post. Andy Reid tries to shoot on the turn but the ball doesn't fall for him and Dunn is able to clear.
6
Richardson plays the ball to Reid on the left hand side. Reid skips past one challenge but is dispossessed by an excellent tackle from Emerton.
3
A rapid break from the home side - Malbranque slides a wonderful through ball into the run of Cisse who is through on goal but Robinson closes the angle and makes the save.
1
Sunderland have a corner in the opening minute after some good work by Andy Reid - The corner is played short, Malbranque swings the ball into the area but it evades everyone and Blackburn are able to clear.
1
Kickoff
Today's referee is Martin Atkinson and with a sharp blast on his whistle, this game gets underway.
Awaiting Kickoff
Sam Allardyce also names the same eleven that beat Stoke last week. Blackburn are still without Santa Cruz up-front but with McCarthy and Roberts leading the line Rovers will be confident they can make it back-to-back league victories today.
Awaiting Kickoff
Caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia names an unchanged Sunderland side frm the victory at Hull last time out as the Black Cats look for their third consecutive league win.
Hello and welcome to the Stadium of Light. Today's visitors are Blackburn Rovers who will be looking for three points and a boxing day boost under new manager Sam Allardyce.
Sunderland
Blackburn Rovers
Full time
Full Time: SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKBURN. The game comes to a close and ends in a draw. Neither side will feel they had done enough to win the game but Roberts will be kicking himself for that late miss.
Jason Roberts put in behind here from a long ball over the top, he rounded Fulop well but he side footed the ball wide under pressure from Nosworthy. What a miss! He knows he should have won it for Blackburn there.
Substitution
Aaron Mokoena comes on to replace the injured Ryan Nelsen for the last few moments.
A long ball into the box is headed away by Ooijer but it falls for Leadbitter who drives it first time but it's straight at Robinson who clutches the ball into his chest.
Substitution
Matt Derbyshire comes into the action upfront, replacing Benni McCarthy.
Malbranque breaks forward and tries to slide a killer pass into Cisse but it is slightly off target and runs through to Paul Robinson.
Substitution
Richardson is also withdrawn and the young Grant Leadbitter comes on to replace him. Will the fresh legs make the difference?
Substitution
Murphy comes on to replace Cisse as Ricky Sbragia looks to offer something different up front.
Sunderland have a corner which Reid will take. Once again, the corner is poor and cleared at the near post without any difficulty for the Rovers defence.
Malbranque flicks the ball into Cisse who runs at Nelsen, cuts inside and shoots but Nelsen stands up well and makes the block.
McCarthy battles hard and keeps the ball on the right hand side before digging out a cross onto the head of Roberts but it was just too high for him and the header goes over.
As we go into the final stages of this match it could still go either way. Sunderland have a corner after Malbranque's cross is deflected behind off Warnock.
A scramble in the Rovers box but the ball just won't fall for a Sunderland player and in the end Tugay is able to smash the ball out of the danger zone.
Emerton forces a corner on the right hand side - Pedersen will swing it in - The corner is blocked at the near post and the ball goes behind for a goal-kick.
The ball in from Malbranque delivered to the backpost finds Richardson who cushions the ball back into the path of Cisse who volleys from the edge of the area but he rifles it just over. What a strike from Cisse.
Substitution
The experienced Tugay comes on for David Dunn who still lacks full fitness after his recent injury troubles.
Substitution
The tiring Tainio is withdrawn and replaced by Dean Whitehead. Richardson is likely to occupy the left flank with Whitehead playing in the centre of midfield.
Great interplay on the edge of the box and Andrews burst through the heart of the defence and finding space in the box but his toe-poked effort was turned wide by Fulop to deny the midfielder.
Great ball in by Andy Reid and it forces Samba to head it behind and concede the corner - Reid's corner is headed away by the first defender and the opportunity is wasted.
Malbranque wins the ball deep in the Blackburn half and drives forward. His shot is blocked and falls for Jones who shoots but again it's blocked and as it falls for Cisse, the assistant raises his flag. Cisse was offside.
Jones leads a swift counter and plays the ball to Malbranque who touches it into the path of the overlapping Bardsley but the full-back's cross is a poor one and Robinson collects.
Blackburn win a free-kick as Emerton is brought down having beaten Collins coming inside - The ball is placed, on the edge of the box on the right hand side and Pedersen is over it - He bends it left-footed but it cannons back off the post!
Kenwyne Jones turns on a sixpence inside the box and goes down under Ooijer's challenge but the referee says 'No penalty' and the game continues.
Emerton crosses from deep aiming at McCarthy but the ball is just behind the striker and it rolls for a throw-in.
Yellow Card
Samba is cautioned for the handball.
The ball has come in from the right hand side and it ricochets into the goal among a mass of confusion. Sunderland appeal for handball and the referee awards a free-kick for handball against Samba and the goal won't stand.
Second half
Blackburn get the second half underway.
Half time
Half Time: SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKBURN. A disappointing first half. Sunderland have had the best of the limited chances but are yet to break down the organised Rovers defence. The second half can only get better.
Sunderland pressuring at the end of the half. Andy Reid whips the ball in from the left hand side and Jones rises to meet it but he can't get high enough to head the ball down and it goes for a goal-kick.
Ooijer plays the ball into the feet of McCarthy who tries to turn but a sliding challenge from Nosworthy wins the ball for Sunderland and sends McCarthy down in a heap. Martin Atkinson waves away the appeals for a free-kick.
Blackburn have a free-kick around 25 yards from goal as McCarthy is fouled and Pedersen will fancy this one. Dunn takes it but his shot is charged down by Richardson racing out of the wall.
Great play from Reid on the left hand side and he lifts the ball into the danger zone but it's too strong for Jones and Cisse and Robinson is able to gather.
Steed Malbranque links up with Bardsley and skips through the Rovers defence but he can't quite pick out Jones and the ball runs through to Robinson.
Yellow Card
Benni McCarthy is booked for a late tackle as he tried to charge down a Bardsley clearance. That was a little harsh in my opinion.
Richardson plays the ball into the path of Collins on the left hand side, he plays it back to Reid who delivers towards Jones who goes down - No penalty - The ball breaks to Bardsley but he fires fractionally wide.
Good move from Sunderland as they move the ball around. It is played into Cisse who turned it into the run of Jones before he was fouled by Ooijer.
Yellow Card
Andre Ooijer becomes the first player to be cautioned as he throws an arm into the face of Kenwyne Jones who was running past him.
Dangerous set piece for Blackburn that Pedersen will deliver. The winger whips the ball in left-footed but it flies into the arms of Fulop.
Again Sunderland attacking on the right hand side and the ball into the box is headed out by Nelsen but only far as Malranque but his volley sails high over the bar.
Emerton brings the ball forward on the right hand side and angles his cross towards McCarthy who meets it with his head but under pressure from the defender, the effort goes tamely wide.
Bardsley finds space on the right, crosses towards Cisse who flicks the ball to the back post. Andy Reid tries to shoot on the turn but the ball doesn't fall for him and Dunn is able to clear.
Richardson plays the ball to Reid on the left hand side. Reid skips past one challenge but is dispossessed by an excellent tackle from Emerton.
A rapid break from the home side - Malbranque slides a wonderful through ball into the run of Cisse who is through on goal but Robinson closes the angle and makes the save.
Sunderland have a corner in the opening minute after some good work by Andy Reid - The corner is played short, Malbranque swings the ball into the area but it evades everyone and Blackburn are able to clear.
Kickoff
Today's referee is Martin Atkinson and with a sharp blast on his whistle, this game gets underway.
Awaiting Kickoff
Sam Allardyce also names the same eleven that beat Stoke last week. Blackburn are still without Santa Cruz up-front but with McCarthy and Roberts leading the line Rovers will be confident they can make it back-to-back league victories today.
Awaiting Kickoff
Caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia names an unchanged Sunderland side frm the victory at Hull last time out as the Black Cats look for their third consecutive league win.
Awaiting Kickoff
Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Dunn, Andrews, Pedersen, Roberts, McCarthy
Awaiting Kickoff
Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Nosworthy, Ferdinand, Collins, Malbranque, Tainio, Richardson, Reid, Cisse, Jones
Awaiting Kickoff
Hello and welcome to the Stadium of Light. Today's visitors are Blackburn Rovers who will be looking for three points and a boxing day boost under new manager Sam Allardyce.