Alex Neil made two changes to the side that started the final league game at Morecambe last weekend. Nathan Broadhead missed out on the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday, after the striker limped off in the first half against the Shrimps.
His place in the Black Cats' side was taken by Jack Clarke. The second change saw defender Dennis Cirkin return from the calf injury that had kept him out of the last three matches, and he came into the side in place of Elliot Embleton.
That allowed Luke O'Nien to move back into midfield to fill the gap left by Embleton. Embleton was included on the bench, and defender Callum Doyle was also amongst the subs after recovering from a minor knock.
