Robbie Stockdale has named a strong side to take on Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy (KO 7.30pm).
Balancing youth with experience, the coach has called upon Mika, Donald Love, Brendan Galloway and Jack Rodwell, with a host of under-23 regulars unavailable.
Michael Woud, Sam Brotherton, Elliot Embleton and Joel Asoro are all away on international duty, with Josh Maja not yet fit to feature despite returning to training.
Instead, Andrew Nelson leads the line with Rees Greenwood and Luke Molynuex tasked with providing a creative spark in the final third.
Sunderland under-21s: Mika, Love, Beadling, Rodwell, Galloway, Gamble, E Robson, Greenwood, Molyneux, Hume, Nelson
Subs: T Robson, Talbot, Diamond, Bale, Yatlor, Storey, Allan.
