Alex Neil named a strong side for Sunderland's pre-season friendly at Accrington - with nine changes from the side that lost at Bradford City in midweek. Only Lynden Gooch and Jack Clarke were retained from the XI that lost 2-0 at Valley Parade, and Neil switched back to a 4-2-3-1 system after playing with three centre-backs against the Bantams.
Anthony Patterson was restored in goal, with Gooch at right-back, Bailey Wright and Daniel Ballard in central defence, and Dennis Cirkin at left-back. Corry Evans and Dan Neil were the two central midfielders.
Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke were the wide forwards either side of Alex Pritchard, with Ross Stewart leading the line. Carl Winchester and Leon Dajaku, who started at Bradford, were absent from today's Black Cats squad entirely.
