As expected, Joe Gelhardt returned to Sunderland's starting XI against Reading as Tony Mowbray reverted to the same starting XI that faced Millwall last weekend. On-loan Leeds United striker Gelhardt was cup-tied for the midweek FA Cup fourth round replay against Fulham on Wearside.
But he was back in the side to make his home debut against the Royals with Abdoullah Ba - who had replaced him against Fulham - dropping to the bench. Mowbray also included January signing Isaac Lihadji amongst the subs, with the former Lille winger eligible for the first time now he has received his work permit.
Reading boss Paul Ince made three changes, in his case to the side that started last weekend's Championship draw against Watford. Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll came into the side, along with Baba Rahman and Naby Sarr, with Tom Holmes, Cesare Casadei, and Mamadou Loum making way.
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This afternoon's teams
Sunderland: Patterson, Hume, Ballard, Batth, Alese, Neil, Michut, Roberts, Amad, Clarke, Gelhardt
Subs: Bass, O'Nien, Bennette, Lihadji, Ba, Pritchard, Ekwah
Reading: Lumley, Yiadom, Sarr, Mbengue, Hoilett, Ince, McIntyre, Hendrick, Baba, Long, Carroll
Subs: Bouzanis, Dann, Guinness-Walker, Azeez, Fornah, Casadei, Meite
READ NEXT:
- Sunderland favourite Julio Arca's role in Jewison Bennette's development revealed
- Alex Pritchard's patience will be rewarded as Sunderland deal with busy schedule, says Tony Mowbray
- Tony Mowbray gives latest update on Dennis Cirkin and Isaac Lihadji ahead of Reading clash
- Penalty area 'pest' Joe Gelhardt is backed to be a hit at Sunderland following his loan move
- Danny Batth explains the lesson Sunderland can learn from their FA Cup defeat against Fulham
