Alex Pritchard made his first start of 2023 as Tony Mowbray made three changes to the side that began Sunderland's weekend win against Reading on Wearside. Mowbray had said before the game that he would look to freshen up his side after admitting they lacked sharpness against the Royals, and he was as good as his word.
Pritchard - who has been eased back into action in recent weeks after recovering from the calf injury that had sidelined him since December - started instead of Amad, while Mowbray also opted to change his midfield pairing. Luke O'Nien and Abdoullah Ba came into the side, with Dan Neil and Edouard Michut making way.
Amad, Neil, and Michut were all included on the bench. Dennis Cirkin was also amongst the subs after recovering from the concussion he suffered at Millwall ten days ago.
