Simon Grayson remained coy when asked about his Carabao Cup team selection at his pre-match press conference.
The Sunderland boss gave little away but he did reveal that Brendan Galloway will miss out due to a knock, with Bryan Oviedo set to face the Cumbrians.
Jack Rodwell could also return from injury, with a number of players, including Robin Ruiter and Wahbi Khazri, vying for a place, but Grayson kept his cards close to his chest and insisted that whoever takes to the field will be in it to win it.
"Bryan Oviedo will start against Carlisle on Tuesday,” said the manager.
“Brendan [Galloway] has done okay for us – he is only 21 and – and there will be situations where good players can hurt you. Not just him, but others too.”
He continued: "He picked up a knock in the game [against Leeds United] and isn't available against Carlisle.
"We picked up a couple of knocks but Brendan is the only player definitely out.
"One or two have reported in with illness as well which is not helpful, but whichever team we put out we want to win the game."
