Sunderland rotated their side in midweek against Stoke City Under-21s.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross fielded a much-changed side in their Checkatrade Trophy tie against Stoke City Under-21s.
The Black Cats fielded some fringe players including Luke O’Nien, Tom Flanagan and Robbin Ruiter and also included some young players, with Ethan Robson and Denver Hume getting a start.
However, this weekend sees another game in League One for the Black Cats as Ross looks to maintain his side’s unbeaten record in the third tier.
The Wearside team only just salvaged a point against Oxford United in their first of three consecutive games back at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
And the side in fourth place will have to be better this weekend if they hope to pick up maximum points against an in-form Fleetwood Town side, managed by old Sunderland foe Joey Barton.
Many of Sunderland’s fringe players threw their name in the hat for a place in the first-team with their performance in the initial Checkatrade Trophy game, including full-back Hume, who was excellent throughout.
The Black Cats will be without Bryan Oviedo, who is on international duty with Costa Rica and young midfield prospect Bali Mumba, who is away with England Under-18s.
A win against the side who have went unbeaten since the second day of the new campaign would cement Sunderland as true promotion candidates this season, with questions still needing to be answered after their recent displays.
Below is how we think Sunderland will line up against Fleetwood Town, with six changes to the side that beat Stoke’s youth side on penalties in midweek.
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