Sunderland start their 2016-17 EFL Cup campaign against Shrewsbury Town at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening (7.45pm).
The Black Cats reached the final of the competition in 2014 defeating Chelsea and Manchester United en route to Wembley, with Manchester City denying Gus Poyet’s side in the final with a 3-1 win.
Last season Sunderland reached the third round after cruising past Exeter City with a 6-2 win in the second, but there was to be no cup run this time around as eventual winners Man City cruised to a 4-1 win on Wearside.
Shrewsbury Town reached the second round last campaign defeating Blackburn Rovers in the first at Ewood Park, and they pushed Crystal Palace into extra-time shortly after before succumbing to 4-1 defeat.
Jordan Pickford is in line to make his first start of the season and home debut, with Moyes revealing Vito Mannone is the latest Black Cat to swap the training pitch for the treatment room.
“Vito has a problem with his elbow that we’re worried about and he will have it checked out," said the Sunderland boss.
The Italian joins Seb Larsson (knee), Lee Cattermole (hernia), Billy Jones (hip), Jan Kirchhoff (hamstring), John O’Shea (groin) and Lamine Kone (back) on the sidelines.
Fabio Borini is also unlikely to feature due to a toe injury which also ruled him out of Sunday’s Wear-Tees derby.
Shaun Whalley (calf strain) is the only Shrewsbury player unavailable due to injury, but manager Micky Mellon has suggested that a number of players could be rested.
Last time out the Shrews struck late on to seal a dramatic 2-1 win over Chesterfield at the New Meadow, with Adam El-Abd netting six minutes from time.
But there was no dramatic ending on Wearside as Middlesbrough survived a second-half onslaught to return to Teesside with three points thanks to Christian Stuani’s brace.
Patrick van Aanholt scored during that defeat and believes today’s game represents the perfect chance to bounce back and build momentum.
Wednesday’s match will take place at 7.45pm with comprehensive coverage available on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Supporters can also listen live via the official website with Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett taking you through all the action.
