Sunderland boss Simon Grayson could welcome back several recognised first team players to the Black Cats starting line-up this weekend, as Cardiff City travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Ripon-born manager made six changes for his side's 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Everton on Wednesday night, leaving out goalkeeper Robin Ruiter, defensive pairing Marc Wilson and Bryan Oviedo and midfield trio Lee Cattermole, Callum McManaman and Jonny Williams.
Jan Kruger/GettyImages
It came as no surprise that the former Preston North End boss was keen to rest players following the fixture pile up, and admitted following the cup exit that he had done so with the Bluebirds' visit in mind.