On-loan Everton striker Ellis Simms made his Sunderland debut, as Alex Neil made one change to the side that started last weekend's Championship opener against Coventry City. Simms came into the side alongside Ross Stewart up front, with Elliot Embleton dropping to the bench to accommodate him.
Looking at the teamsheet, it looks like Neil is also switching to a back three, with Daniel Ballard, Danny Batth, and Dennis Cirkin in central defence, and with Lynden Gooch and Jack Clarke the wingbacks. That left a central midfield trio of Dan Neil, Corry Evans, and Alex Pritchard.
Leon Dajaku was included on the bench after missing last weekend's game as he recovered from illness, with Trai Hume making way. There was still no place in the matchday 18 for either Carl Winchester or Jay Matete.
READ MORE: Bristol City vs Sunderland LIVE - Team news and build-up from Ashton Gate
Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson intended to stick with the same side that began last weekend's opening day defeat at Hull City, but he was forced into a late change when Matty James picked up an injury in the warm-up and Han-Noah Massengo was promoted from the bench to the starting XI in his place. You can follow this afternoon's game as it happens in our live blog here , with James Hunter at Ashton Gate to bring you all the latest action, reaction and analysis.
This afternoon's teams
Sunderland: Patterson, Ballard, Batth, Cirkin, Gooch, Evans, Neil, Pritchard, Clarke, Simms, Stewart
Subs: Bass, Dajaku, Embleton, Roberts, O'Nien, Wright, Alese
Bristol City: Bentley, Vyner, Naismith, Atkinson, Sykes, Williams, Massengo, Dasilva, Scott, Weimann, Martin
Subs: O'Leary, Wilson, King, Conway, Wells, Klose
READ NEXT:
- Sunderland's Jay Matete loan stance confirmed by Alex Neil
- Alex Neil on the lesson Sunderland learned on day one of the Championship season
- Sunderland boss Alex Neil gives fitness update on Niall Huggins and Leon Dajaku
- Alex Neil explains why Sunderland are having to play a 'waiting game' in the transfer window
- Alex Neil backs Ross Stewart to get goals in the Championship - if Sunderland provide service
