Gus Poyet has opted to stick with three at the back after the relative success of the new formation at Anfield during the week.
Despite his poor performance against Liverpool, Santiago Vergini maintains his spot as the third centre back alongside O'Shea and Brown. Phil Bardsley, an ever present now for Poyet, will be one of the wing backs whilst Alonso returns to play up and down the left flank.
In central midfield Cattermole and Bridcutt will be expected to provide a sold platform for Ki to get forward and support the strikers.
Borini is recalled after being ineligible against his parent club, whilst Connor Wickham is as predicted entrusted with a second successive start following his recall from loan.
Adam Johnson will have to be content with a spot on the sub's bench, whilst Altidore is dropped to the bench after another goal-less showing. Carlos Cuellar makes a return from injury to take Valentin Roberge's spot, whilst there is also no room for Seb Larsson.
Sunderland (5-3-2): Vito Mannone; Phil Bardsley, Santiago Vergini, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Marcos Alonso; Liam Bridcutt, Lee Cattermole, Ki Sung-Yeung; Fabio Borini, Connor Wickham
Substitutes: Oscar Ustari, Carlos Cuellar, Jack Colback, Craig Gardner, Adam Johnson, Nacho Scocco, Jozy Altidore
Meanwhile Sam Allardyce has brought back key centre-back Winston Reid following James Collins' injury troubles. In the centre of the park Noble and Taylor should provide bite and determination whilst Kevin Nolan while be looking to get forward as much as possible to feed off his old housemate Carroll's knockdowns.
On the wings Diame will be a solid defensive presence looking to stifle our attacks whilst Downing will seek to whip in the deliveries.
West Ham United (4-3-3): Adrian; Guy Demel, James Tomkins, Winston Reid, George McCartney; Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan, Matt Taylor; Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll, Mohammed Diame.
Substitutes: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Roger Johnson, Pablo Armero, Matt Jarvis, Joe Cole, Antonio Nocerino, Carlton Cole
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