YOUNES KABOUL will make his first Sunderland start alongside Sebastian Coates as the Black Cats round off their pre-season programme with a game at Hannover this afternoon.

With Dick Advocaat finalising his plans ahead of next weekend's opening Premier League fixture at Leicester City, it is interesting to see Kaboul and Coates preferred to John O'Shea, who is on the bench.

With Wes Brown back in England nursing an injury, there has to be a strong chance of Kaboul starting alongside Coates at the King Power Stadium if the pair perform well later today.

Lee Cattermole wears the captain's armband, and is partnered by Seb Larsson and Jack Rodwell at the heart of midfield.

Further forward, Jeremain Lens will be looking to maintain the high standards he set at Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night as he plays in a front three that also features Jermain Defoe and Adam Johnson.

Hannover: Zieler, Sakal, Sane, Prib, Schmiedebach, Klaus, Schulz, Felipe, Karaman, Sorg, Erdinc.

Subs: Tschauner (gk), Albornoz, Gulselam, Sobiech, Saint-Maximin, Hoffman, Hirsch, Marcelo, Anton, Benschop.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Pantilimon; Jones, Coates, Kaboul, van Aanholt; Larsson, Cattermole, Rodwell; Lens, Defoe, Johnson.

Subs: Mannone (gk), Matthews, O'Shea, Bridcutt, Giaccherini, Graham, Watmore.