With injuries severely limiting his options, Tony Mowbray retained the majority of the players who started at Blackpool last weekend in the league and made just three changes to the Sunderland side for today's FA Cup third round tie at Shrewsbury Town. He opted not to risk star striker Ross Stewart, dropping him to the bench and bringing Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette into side for the first time since his involvement in the World Cup.
He also started Abdoullah Ba, with Jack Clarke making way although he was also included on the bench. The third change saw Alex Bass start in goal, in place of Anthony Patterson.
Patterson was one of two goalkeepers included amongst the subs, the other being youngster Jacob Carney. Fit-again Lynden Gooch was on the bench after recovering from the hamstring problem he suffered against Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.
