Tony Mowbray made one change to the side that started Sunderland's midweek goalless draw against Blackpool on Wearside. Dan Neil came back into the Black Cats' side at Swansea City, replacing Amad Diallo.
That meant Mowbray had reverted to the side that began last Saturday's home game against Preston North End, which also ended in a goalless draw. Defender Dennis Cirkin was included on the bench, making his first appearance in the matchday squad since he suffered a hamstring injury at Middlesbrough at the start of September.
But there was no place for either Edouard Michut or Leon Dajaku amongst the subs, with Cirkin and Jay Matete included instead. Swansea boss Russell Martin made four changes, in his case to the side that started the midweek victory at Watford.
