Sunderland begin their EFL Trophy campaign on Tuesday when they take on Aston Villa Under-21s at the Stadium of Light, (KO 7pm).
Phil Parkinson’s side lost out to Hull City on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, despite dominating much of the 90 minutes.
For tonight’s game, Parkinson has revealed he will select a young Black Cats side which could include the likes of Jack Diamond, Dan Neil and Brandon Taylor.
The contest will be Sunderland’s first in Group F, with Carlisle United and Fleetwood Town making up the numbers.
Team news
Aiden O’Brien is an injury concern after he was taken off during Saturday’s game with Hull, but Parkinson does not believe it is serious.
New recruit Danny Graham could feature after re-joining the Lads on a one-year deal yesterday and insisting he is “fit and raring to go”.
But Elliot Embleton might miss out through a minor thigh problem, although he is due to return to full training this week.
Opposition
Aston Villa Under-23s finished 7th in the Premier League 2 last season, winning six of their 19 games before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season.
Mark Delaney’s side did the double over the Black Cats’ development squad last campaign, winning narrowly 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last August, before sealing a 4-0 victory at Bodymoor Heath in January.
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