Defender John O’Shea (knock) and Sebastian Larsson (ankle) are both doubtful for Sunderland tomorrow whilst fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole completes a two-match ban and Will Buckley (knee) and Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Caretaker boss Dick Advocaat said ahead of the match: “ We are now in a situation where we are playing more or less at the bottom of the league, so something has to change.
“In Holland, we can see all the games in England – everything is on television, so I knew the squad, I knew the players, plus the fact that we have a great stadium and great fans. I have a good feeling about the squad after the last three days, so why not?”
Winger Adam Johnson is included in the squad and is expected to play a role.
Whatever the ‘wounded’ count is, on either side, it will be absolutely unacceptable for Sam not to put out a side that can beat Sunderland. He still has more resources and quality players available to him than they do