Lee Johnson made two changes to the side that started last weekend's draw against Lincoln, one of which was forced upon him.
Defender Conor McLaughlin was away on international duty with Northern Ireland, and forward Aiden O'Brien came into the side in his place as he made his return from the injury he suffered at Portsmouth two-and-a-half weeks ago.
In midfield, Josh Scowen replaced Grant Leadbitter in a straight swap.
The changes meant that Max Power dropped back to right-back to take on the role vacated by McLaughlin, with O'Brien's inclusion allowing Carl Winchester to drop back into midfield in place of Power.
Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton made four changes to the side that lost at home to Swindon Town in midweek.
Anssi Jaakkola replaced Joe Day in goal, while 20-year-old defender Pablo Martinez made his debut for the Gas in place of ex-Sunderland man Jack Baldwin.
Zain Westbrooke and Zain Walker also came into the side in place of Ed Upson and James Daly.
You can follow all the action as it happens in our live blog, with the post-match reaction and analysis after the final whistle.
Today's teams
Sunderland: Burge, Power, Sanderson, O'Nien, McFadzean, Scowen, Winchester, Gooch, O'Brien, McGeady, Wyke
Subs: Matthews, Maguire, Diamond, Leadbitter, Neil, Stewart, Younger.
Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Williams, Kilgour, Leahy, Grant, Martinez, McCormick, Westbrooke, Walker, Ayunga, Hanlan.
Subs: Day, Baldwin, Hare, Tutonda, Barrett, Oztumer, Daly.
