STEVE BRUCE has resisted handing record buy Asamoah Gyan a first start at the Stadium of Light against Arsenal.
Gyan has been named on the bench, meaning Darren Bent is likely to operate as a lone striker against the Gunners.
In the absence of suspended skipper Lee Cattermole, Cristian Riveros starts in midfield, while Kieran Richardson wears the captain's armband.
Arsenal, meanwhile, play Laurent Koscielny instead of the injured Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of their defence.
SUNDERLAND (4-5-1): Mignolet; Onuoha,Bramble, Ferdinand, Richardson; Elmohamady, Riveros, Malbranque, Henderson, Welbeck; Bent. Subs: Carson (gk), Bardsley, Zenden, Colback, Gyan, Reid, Da Silva.
ARSENAL (4-3-2-1): Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Nasri, Song, Wilshere; Fabregas, Arshavin; Chamakh. Subs: Fabianski (gk), Gibbs, Djourou, Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Vela.
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