Alex Neil made one change to the side that started the midweek defeat at Sheffield United, and that was forced upon him. Midfielder Dan Neil's red card at Bramall Lane meant he missed the trip to Stoke City as he served a one-match suspension, and his place in midfield was taken by Jay Matete.
Another potential candidate to replace Neil had been Corry Evans but he had missed Sunderland's midweek game due to a minor knock and was a doubt heading into today's match meaning Matete was picked ahead of him, although the Northern Ireland international was included on the bench. Stoke boss Michael O'Neill made two changes, in his case to the side that drew 2-2 here at the bet365 Stadium against Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening.
He brought in Liam Delap - son of former Sunderland man Rory - in place of ex-Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, while Gavin Kilkenny replaced Sam Clucas in midfield. Both Gayle and Clucas were named amongst the subs.
