Sunderland vs Stoke City team news as Chris Rigg returns
CHRIS Rigg returns from injury for Sunderland in today’s FA Cup third game against Stoke City – while Aaron Connolly gets his first appearance since November.
Simon Moore and Leo Hjelde both come into the side, while Harrison Jones makes his full debut for the Black Cats.
Anthony Patterson, Chris Mepham, Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts and Wilson Isidor all drop out of the side.
It’s Rigg’s first appearance since Boxing Day, when he sustained an injury late on in the draw against Blackburn.
Connolly, meanwhile, is making his first start since the draw against Millwall. Regis Le Bris confessed last week the striker was facing an uncertain future considering his lack of activity of late and with the Black Cats confident of boosting their front line before the conclusion of the January transfer window.
Salis Abdul Samed is in the team for the first time after returning from injury.
Enzo Le Fee wasn’t signed in time to play today afternoon but will be in attendance at the Stadium of Light.
sunderland: Moore, Hume, O’Nien, Hjelde, Alese; Neil, Rigg, Jones, Mayenda, Aouchiche, Connolly.
Subs: Nna Noukeu, Bellingha, Rusyn, Isidor, Samed, Mepham, Akeksic, Johnson, Ogunsuyi
Stoke: Johansson, Tchamadeu, Stevens, Phillips, Wilmot, Seko, Burger, Baker, Moran, Koumas, Cannon.
Subs: Bonham, Rose, Lawal, Gooch, Sidibe, Junho, Vidigal, Tezgel, Ennis.
Leave a Reply