Lee Johnson made four changes to the side that started Sunderland’s most recent league game, the home draw against Gillingham last weekend.
Johnson handed Black Cats January signing Jake Vokins his debut, with the on-loan Southampton man starting in place of Callum McFadzean who had picked up a groin injury in Sunderland’s midweek EFL Trophy win against MK.
Bailey Wright returned at the heart of defence after recovering from the concussion that had ruled him out against the Gills. Jordan Willis came back into the starting lineup after Tom Flanagan pulled out in the warm-up.
Luke O’Nien started in midfield ahead of Josh Scowen, while Lynden Gooch was preferred to Jack Diamond out wide.
Willis, Scowen, and Diamond were all included on the bench.
MK Dons boss Russell Martin made one change to the side that started their last league outing, a win at AFC Wimbledon last Saturday.
Deadline day signing from Walsall Zak Jules came into the side for his debut in place of Daniel Harvie.
On-loan Sunderland man Will Grigg was not in the squad as he cannot play against his parent club.
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