Grant Leadbitter returned to Sunderland's starting line-up for the EFL Trophy final at Wembley, as Lee Johnson made four enforced changes to the side that won at Portsmouth in midweek.
Leadbitter, who was making his comeback from a dislocated shoulder he suffered at the end of February, came into midfield in place of the cup-tied Carl Winchester.
Also cup-tied was Dion Sanderson, and he was replaced by Tom Flanagan at the heart of defence.
The other changes saw Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch come into the side in place of Aiden O'Brien and Jordan Jones, both of whom picked up injuries against Pompey.
On the bench, Johnson included January signing Ross Stewart for the first time now that the striker has recovered from a hamstring problem.
Academy graduates Benji Kimpioka, Jack Diamond, and Dan Neil were also amongst the subs, as was young defender Ollie Younger.
Tranmere boss Keith Hill made just one change to the side that won at Southend on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Otis Khan came into the side in place of Lee O'Connor.
You can follow all the action in our live blog right here.
Today's teams
Sunderland: Burge, Power, Flanagan, O'Nien, McFadzean, Scowen, Leadbitter, Gooch, Maguire, McGeady, Wyke
Subs: Matthews, McLaughlin, Stewart, Kimpioka, Diamond, Neil, Younger.
Tranmere: Davies, Khan, Ray, Clarke, Macdonald, Spearing, Morris, Feeney, Woolery, Lewis, Lloyd.
Subs: Murphy, Monthe, Ridehalgh, Blackett-Taylor, Kirby, Burton, Nugent.
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