Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Lineups

Gus Poyet has unsurprisingly rang the changes after last weekend's defeat down at Hull. Regulars Ki Sung-Yueng, Adam Johnson, Fabio Borini, Marcos Alonso, Wes Brown and Vito Mannone all return to the starting eleven. Another who returns to the first team is Liam Bridcutt, who didn't appear against Hull and was of course ineligible for the League Cup final. He replaces Lee Cattermole at the base of Sunderland's midfield, with the Teesider dropped to the bench after his mistakes against Hull. This sees Seb Larsson retain his place in the midfield three.

Surprisingly although Poyet does restore Fabio Borini to the starting eleven, he opts not to play him as a central striker but instead deploys him from the left wing with Steven Fletcher somehow retaining a place in the team despite his poor performance down on Humberside. Adam Johnson, as expected, goes back out onto the right wing.

In defence Wes Brown and Marcos Alonso earn immediate recalls, as does Vito Mannone in goal. It's clear that Gus knows what his best defence is now, so hopefully we can see these five start every game until the end of the season. We're going to need them all.

On the bench there are reported sightings of the lesser spotted Jozy Altidore, who hasn't been seen since being subbed off at half time against Arsenal. Craig Gardner also shakes off a knock to appear amongst the subs.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Vito Mannone; Phil Bardsley, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Marcos Alonso; Liam Bridcutt, Ki Sung-Yueng, Seb Larsson; Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher, Fabio Borini.

Substitutes: Oscar Ustari, Santiago Vergini, Craig Gardner, Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole, Jozy Altidore, Nacho Scocco.

Meanwhile headwear enthusiast Tony Pulis has opted to give starts to bring back England U-21 star Tom Ince, and continues with their goal-scoring hero in the Championship last year Glen Murray. January signings of Scott Dann, Joe Ledley and Tom Ince all feature.

Crystal Palace (4-5-1): Julian Speroni; Adrian Mariappa, Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, Joel Ward; Yannick Bolasie, Kagisho Digkacoi, Mile Jedinak, Joe Ledley, Tom Ince; Glen Murray

Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Paddy McCarthy, Adlene Guedioura, Jason Puncheon, Jerome Thomas, Dwight Gayle, Cameron Jerome

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