Sunderland's leading scorer Darren Bent has shrugged off a hamstring problem to start against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium this afternoon (KO 3pm).

Bent takes his place up front as Steve Bruce opts to persist with the five-man midfield employed against Arsenal last week.

The only other change comes in defence, where John Mensah drops to the bench in favour of Michael Turner, who returns following a one-match ban.

SAFC: Fulop, Bardsley, McCartney, Turner, Da Silva, Reid, Malbranque, Cana (C), Henderson, Richardson, Bent.

Subs: Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Zenden, Fraizer, Mensah, Healy, Carson.

Wigan: Kirkland, Thomas, Scharner, Scotland, N'Zogbia, Boyce, Bramble, Rodallega, Melchiot, Diame, Figuroa.

Subs: Cho, Amaya, Koumas,Gomez, Sinclair, McCarthy, Pollitt.