TEAM NEWS: One change for Sunderland as Kone comes in for Oviedo; Clarke-Salter back on the bench

Lamine Kone recovered in time from the injury which kept him out of our defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, and his availability warranted an immediate return to the starting XI - at the expense of Bryan Oviedo, who in turn has picked up a knock to keep him out of today’s fixture.

The return of Kone indicates the return of Chris Coleman’s back three, as the Ivorian will line up alongside John O’Shea and Marc Wilson. Speaking of centre-backs, Jake Clarke-Salter returns from suspension today and takes up a spot on the bench.

The full line-up is as follows:

Sunderland: Lee Camp, Donald Love, Lamine Kone, John O’Shea, Marc Wilson, Paddy McNair, Lee Cattermole, George Honeyman, Lynden Gooch, Aiden McGeady, Ashley Fletcher

Subs: Jason Steele, Kazenga LuaLua, Callum McManaman, Adam Matthews, Joel Asoro, Jake Clarke-Salter, Ovie Ejaria

Hopefully the physicality offered by Kone offers our back-line something it sorely missed when it was stuck up against the gargantuan Atdhe Nuhiu and Lucas Joao on Monday. Coleman has shuffled the deck in every way possible now - all we can do is get behind the lads.

Ha’way man, Sunlin!