“Will Sunderland’s new owner be in the stands?” and 4 other KEY QUESTIONS ahead of today’s game

Will the potential new owner be in attendance?

We all hope that today’s match will bring to an end a miserable few years at Sunderland.

It could well be possible that the man potentially behind the new dawn will be sat amongst the fans when Wolves roll into town. It’s fair to say that we can expect a hands on approach under Donald’s ownership - and let’s be honest, he wouldn’t have to do too much to match Ellis Shorts efforts.

Even if this is just a possibility, it goes to show how different things will be. A good performance and a rousing atmosphere will give Donald and Sunderland fans everywhere hope that our stay in League One will be a short one.

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Will we see a different attitude from the players?

The events which have taken place since we last kicked a football have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Robbie Stockdale said in his press conference that the players were equally surprised at the news of Chris Coleman being sacked, and how they play will determine if they want to stick around next season.

The match brings up a unique opportunity for our squad to perform under no pressure and to express themselves possibly in front of a new owner and/or manager depending on how things behind the scenes advance.

The players who really want to stay will take the match against Wolves by the scruff of its neck.

Can we get a win?

Not that it necessarily matters, but we’re playing Wolves at the best time to avoid being taken apart by the champions like so many other sides have this season.

They’ve won all they can and will perhaps take the opportunity to blood some fresh faces (as we probably will too) and if we can get an unlikely three points then it will set up the new dawn on Wearside perfectly.

In reality, Wolves will go absolutely all out to get the win and push themselves past the 100 points mark. That said, I would love to see the lads get in the faces of the side destined for the Premier League to give hope ahead of a campaign in the third division.

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Will Stockdale shake the team up?

It would be fitting to see a squad bolstered by academy players selected today after so many of them have been shining lights this season.

And it looks like this is exactly what will happen, with Robbie Stockdale confirming that there will be a number of academy products in line to play a part. Asoro, Robson and Honeyman all impressed in last week’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham and it would be unfair on these players if they didn’t get the nod to start again.

With a huge turnover in players expected this summer we could see a lot of them for the last time today - and with the shop window wide open you can expect the likes of Lamine Kone and co will, rather frustratingly, play out of their skins in a bit to woo potential suitors.

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How many players will we be seeing for the last time?

To put it straight; quite a few. The need to get rid of the deadwood has never been greater and once a new manager is in and the takeover has been confirmed then the squad will need to be purged.

The aforementioned Lamine Kone is likely to start - mainly because we don’t have anyone else to partner John O’Shea - but he’s one of just many players that the Sunderland supporters won’t shed a tear for once he’s gone and out of our hair.

I’d be surprised if the likes of Marc Wilson, Bryan Oviedo, Aiden McGeady or Lee Cattermole are here next season and it’s highly unlikely that any of them will start today.

It’ll be interesting to see who plays today and how the home fans respond to them. Everyone knows which of them will likely be playing their last games for the club and it’ll be fascinating to see which ones are booed every single time they touch the ball.

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