SUNDERLAND manager Gustavo Poyet has stuck with the new-look 5-3-2 formation he fielded at Anfield last week as his side entertain West Ham United in a crucial relegation battle this evening.
Having recalled Santiago Vergini into the defence at Liverpool, Poyet has once again named three centre-halves, with Phil Bardsley and Marcos Alonso playing at wing-back.
Alonso replaces Andrea Dossena in one of three changes to the side that lined up five days ago.
Ki Sung-Yueng, who scored at Anfield after coming off the bench, is preferred to Emanuele Giaccherini in the hole behind the front two.
And having been ineligible against his parent club last Wednesday, Fabio Borini is also restored to the starting XI in place of Jozy Altidore.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has named two former Newcastle United players in his side, with Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll both lining up at the Stadium of Light.
SUNDERLAND (5-2-1-2): Mannone; Bardsley, Brown, O'Shea, Vergini, Alonso; Bridcutt, Cattermole; Ki; Borini, Wickham.
Subs: Ustari (gk), Cuellar, Colback, Gardner, Johnson, Scocco, Altidore.
WEST HAM (4-5-1): Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Downing, Noble, Nolan, Taylor, Diame; Carroll.
Subs: Jaaskelainen (gk), Johnson, Armero, Jarvis, J Cole, Nocerino, C Cole.
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