Lee Johnson made two changes to the side that started last weekend's win at Bristol Rovers.
Conor McLaughlin was available again after returning from international duty with Northern Ireland, and he came straight into the starting XI at right-back.
That allowed Max Power to move into midfield, with Carl Winchester making way.
The other change saw fit-again Jordan Jones restored to the side after recovering from the hamstring injury he picked up three-and-a-half weeks ago, with the on-loan Rangers winger replacing Aiden O'Brien.
Both Winchester and O'Brien were included on the bench, as was youngster Jack Diamond who signed a new three-year contract with the Black Cats in midweek.
Oxford boss Karl Robinson made one change to the side that started the U's win against Lincoln City a week ago.
Anthony Forde came into the side in place of the injured Josh Ruffels, having scored after replacing him from the bench against the Imps.
Robinson included on-loan Blackburn Rovers defender Joe Grayson - son of former Sunderland boss Simon - on the bench.
You can follow all the action in our live blog here.
Have your say on today's team selection and join in the debate in the comments below.
Today's teams
Sunderland: Burge, McLaughlin, Sanderson, O'Nien, McFadzean, Scowen, Power, Jones, Gooch, McGeady, Wyke
Subs: Matthews, Maguire, O'Brien, Diamond, Leadbitter, Winchester, Stewart
Oxford United: Stevens, Moore, Brannagan, Taylor, Sykes, Forde, Henry, Hanson, Atkinson, Shodipo, Barker
Subs: Eastwood, McNally, Winnall, Grayson, Lee, Kelly, Agyei.
