SEBASTIAN COATES and Ricardo Alvarez are expected to be part of Sunderland's starting line-up for tomorrow's Capital One Cup third-round tie against Stoke City.

Coates is still to make his Black Cats debut following a deadline-day loan move from Liverpool, but having shaken off a minor knock, the Urugayan defender is set to replace Wes Brown in tomorrow's side.

Alvarez made his first Sunderland start in this month's 2-2 draw with Tottenham, but an injury meant he was unavailable for Saturday's goalles draw at Burnley. He has returned to full training now though, and is poised to face the Potters.

Steven Fletcher will not be involved because of a calf injury, while Emanuele Giaccherini is also sidelined after twisting his ankle last weekend.

Poyet said: "Ricky is fit, but Fletcher is not unfortunately. I would like to say he (Fletcher) is probably going to be fit for the weekend. Ricky is in the squad and Coates is in the squad."

Having guided his side to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley last season, Poyet is fully aware of the potential value of a cup run.

Therefore, while there will be a handful of changes tomorrow evening, there will not be wholesale alterations to the team that drew at Turf Moor.

Poyet said: "We’ve got a decent group, so we should put a very strong team out which is important, with a few changes that are needed. I’m just looking forward to playing the game, performing and winning of course."