Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray said he will make one or two changes to the team that beat Queens Park Rangers during the week and admitted they may have to "grind out" a result against Bristol City.
The game at the Stadium of Light promises to be an intriguing contest with two in-form teams going up against each other. The Black Cats have picked up 11 points in their last six league matches while Nigel Pearson's side have 12 - only Burnley and Middlesbrough have earned more points.
Sunderland head into the game on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory at freefalling QPR having backed up their 1-0 win over Reading. Mowbray addressed the media on Thursday to provide team news ahead of the Robins' visit and admitted he'll be without five players in total.