Team News: Duncan Watmore returns to Sunderland’s 1st team for tonight’s clash with Notts County

Jack Ross has named eight changes in an attempt to keep his Sunderland side fresh in the midst of three different competitions - and no name on this teamsheet will stand out as much as that of Duncan Watmore’s.

Tonight, Watmore will finally return from his grotesquely lengthy, taking to the field for the first time in well over a year alongside the likes of Robbin Ruiter, Alim Ozturk and academy lad Jack Bainbridge.

Taking these changes into account, this is how Sunderland shape up:

Sunderland: Robbin Ruiter, Jack Bainbridge, Alim Ozturk, Glenn Loovens, Bryan Oviedo, Dylan McGeouch, Bali Mumba, Luke O’Nien, Max Power, Duncan Watmore, Jerome Sinclair

Subs: Anthony Patterson, Jake Hackett, Jack Diamond, Tom Flanagan, Jordan Hunter, Josh Maja, Benji Kimpioka

We’re undoubtedly fielding a weaker side for the greater good of preserving our League One outfit, but let’s hope we’ve got enough to trounce Notts County and move a step closer to our day out at Wembley.

Ha’way!