Confirmed Sunderland line-up v Stoke U21’s: Major summer signing makes first Black Cats start

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Sunderland are in Checkatrade Trophy action tonight as they host Stoke City.

Sunderland starting line-up: Ruiter; Flanagan, Ozturk, James, Hume; McGeouch, O’Nien, Robson; Maguire, Maja, Wyke.

Sunderland substitutes: Stryjek, Sinclair, Love, Hackett, Molyneux, Taylor, Kimpioka.

Sunderland head into tonight’s game having drawn 1-1 at home with Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, leaving them fourth in the League One table.

Unsurprisingly, manager Jack Ross has decided to ring the chances tonight, as eight players make away for tonight’s game against the Potters’ youngsters.

Robbin Ruiter starts in goal in place of Jon McLaughlin, with Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk and Reece James – all summer signings – in the back four alongside youngster Denver Hume.

Summer arrivals Dylan McGeouch and Luke O’Nien feature in midfield alongside Ethan Robson, whilst Chris Maguire is in an attacking role, though it’s unclear whether that’s out wide or behind the strikers.

Big summer signing Charlie Wyke is handed his first start as he steps up his comeback from injury, and is joined in attack by youngster Josh Maja.

Watford loanee Jerome Sinclair is named on the Sunderland bench, alongside Max Stryjek, Donald Love, Luke Molyneux, Jake Hackett, Brandon Taylor and Benjamin Kimpioka.