Sunderland need to refresh their starting line-up against Hull after a run of four straight defeats.
Sunderland fans were optimistic after collecting five points from three Championship games, but that solid start has long since been forgotten.
Simon Grayson’s men have lost their last four league matches and are badly in need of a result at Hull City on Saturday.
The Black Cats’ away record is considerably better than their form at Stadium of Light in 2017 and, with some changes to the team, they can be hopeful of a crucial victory.
Robbin Ruiter has struggled a little in the Sunderland goal, but he still represents a better option than Jason Steele and so will surely keep his place.
Grayson will hope to be able to call on players who were not quite fit in time for Tuesday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest and Lamine Kone is the first of those; his recall would take the inexperienced Tyias Browning briefly out of the firing line.
In midfield, Sunderland’s first-choice pair of Lee Cattermole and Didier Ndong are both available, while Jonny Williams should add creativity – Grayson will hope he can complement the Wales international with Callum McManaman and Aiden McGeady to either side.
Up front, where Sunderland’s biggest problems remain, an injury to Lewis Grabban on Tuesday – he was withdrawn after 37 minutes – is likely to see James Vaughan given another chance. Grayson needs him to belatedly deliver.
Here is how we expect Sunderland to line up at Hull:
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