Alex Neil made two changes to the side that started last weekend's win against Crewe Alexandra at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland took on Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. Dan Neil came into the starting XI in place of Jay Matete in midfield, while Patrick Roberts - who scored his first goal for the Black Cats in that win against Crewe - replaced Jermain Defoe.
Both Matete and Defoe dropped to the bench. On-loan Everton striker Nathan Broadhead joined in training for part of this week as he works his way back to fitness after a minor hamstring niggle, but Neil did not include him in the matchday squad.
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton made three changes, in his case to the side that lost at League One leaders Rotherham United in midweek. Former Sunderland man Chris Maguire - who scored a hat-trick on his return to Wearside in January - returned to the side, while Regan Poole was back in the team after recovering from a knock and Conor McGrandles returned after serving a suspension.
