Le Bris has named a strong midfield three, with Lutsharel Geertruida coming in for Noah Sadiki at the base of midfield with Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra ahead of him. Chemsdine Talbi will play off the right flank, with Romaine Mundle replacing Nilsun Angulo on the left. Wilson Isidor is recalled to lead the line, with Brian Brobbey on the bench.

There could also be a Sunderland debut form the bench, with Jocelin Ta Bi named on the bench for the first time since his January move.

Le Bris had said in the week that he wanted to pick as strong a team as possible, confident that an easing schedule gave his side a genuine chance of competing on two fronts.

“We had a strong week with two games against two top six teams,” Le Bris said.

“It was really demanding, physically especially. We’ll probably adjust the squad, but it will be important to go strong. I think the schedule won’t be too busy during this second part of the season. It’s possible to combine both.

“Our attention is still on the league. It’s really clear. We have to reach this target around 40 points, 42 maybe, because the race will be intense. This is our main intention. But because of the schedule, I think we can combine both. Let’s try to go further.”

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, O’Nien, Cirkin; Geertruida, Le Fee, Diarra; Talbi, Mundle, Isidor

Subs: Ellborg, Sadiki, Jocelin, Rigg, Angulo, Brobbey, Jenson Jones, Whittaker, Mayenda

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Sunderland v Oxford United set to go ahead after significant rainfall

The game is on as things stand despite a huge amount of rainfall in the area over the last week. The Kassam Stadium has understandably been significantly impacted by the conditions, but the pitch passed an initial inspection this morning. Conditions then eased as players arrived, and though the situation will continue to be monitored ahead kick off, the game is set to go ahead as things stand.