Sunderland manager Jack Ross will have to make some changes to his Black Cats side when they take on Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
The Wearsiders travel to Bramall Lane with winger Aiden McGeady out, while Marc McNulty will again miss the game after sitting out the 1-1 draw at Bolton on Saturday.
With injury doubts over central defenders Alim Ozturk and Jordan Willis, it means we could be set to see the Sunderland debuts of August recruits Laurens de Bock and Joel Lynch.
Ross has some other key decisions to make in a game which they could do without given their already hectic schedule - but which could also provide a valuable confidence boost should they pull off another League Cup shock.
Here's our predicted Sunderland starting XI.
Goalkeeper
Former Coventry shot-stopper Lee Burge has started both of the League Cup games so far this season, and it's likely he'll get the nod for this one too.
Defence
With Ozturk and Willis a doubt and Denver Hume struggling for form, it's the ideal time for Lynch and De Bock to make their debuts. Ross had earmarked this game for the pair for some time now, so expect them to start at Bramall Lane.
Tom Flanagan started at Bolton, but with Jack Baldwin on loan at Salford he may have to start again, with Conor McLaughlin a likely replacement for Luke O'Nien at right-back, giving the former Wycombe man a well-deserved break.
Midfield
Ross' assistant James Fowler hinted that Elliot Embleton could feature at some stage tonight, and with McGeady out, we're going for him to start as part of a midfield four. Grant Leadbitter could be set to drop out, keeping him fresh for MK Dons at the weekend along with George Dobson, but Max Power and Dylan McGeouch are able deputies.
With wide options limited, Sunderland could look to play more of a diamond in the middle with either Embleton or Lynden Gooch at its attacking point.
Forwards
Will Grigg needs more playing time, Benji Kimpioka wants more playing time. So what better opportunity for both to stake their claim? McNulty's absence may mean Ross is reluctant to risk Charlie Wyke and Chris Maguire, meaning Grigg could be set for another chance.
Kimpioka is pressing for more gametime before signing a new deal and if ever there was a time to demonstrate what you can do, this is it.
Predicted XI
Burge; C McLaughlin, Flanagan, Lynch De Bock; McGeouch, Power, Embleton, Gooch; Grigg, Kimpioka.
Pick your side
Agree with our starting XI here - or do you think differently? Pick your Sunderland side to take on Sheffield United below, and compare that to the most popular selection.
