On-loan Everton striker Ellis Simms made his Sunderland debut, as Alex Neil made one change to the side that started last weekend's Championship opener against Coventry City. Simms came into the side alongside Ross Stewart up front, with Elliot Embleton dropping to the bench to accommodate him.
Looking at the teamsheet, it looks like Neil is also switching to a back three, with Daniel Ballard, Danny Batth, and Dennis Cirkin in central defence, and with Lynden Gooch and Jack Clarke the wingbacks. That left a central midfield trio of Dan Neil, Corry Evans, and Alex Pritchard.
Leon Dajaku was included on the bench after missing last weekend's game as he recovered from illness, with Trai Hume making way. There was still no place in the matchday 18 for either Carl Winchester or Jay Matete.
