The Black Cats will play Argyle at the Stadium of Light on Saturday at 3pm in League One.
The visitors, however, were this week rocked by the news of their manager Ryan Lowe being poached by Championship outfit Preston North End.
But Plymouth moved swiftly and appointed Steven Schumacher as their new manager after Lowe resigned to take up the post at Deepdale.
Schumacher’s first game in charge will be against Sunderland on Wearside as Plymouth look to return to winning ways having lost their last three games in League One.
Here, though, we take a look at the starting XI that Lee Johnson could name for the clash:
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1. GK: Thorben Hoffmann
The German shot-stopper has cemented himself as Sunderland's number one goalkeeper so far this campaign. Photo: FRANK REID 2021
2. CB: Bailey Wright
Bailey Wright's experience has been valuable since Sunderland switched to playing with three centre-backs. Photo: FRANK REID 2021
3. CB: Tom Flanagan
One of Sunderland's best players in defence as we approach Christmas. He is expected to start against Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light. Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187
4. CB: Callum Doyle
The on-loan Manchester City defender has cemented himself as one of the first names on Lee Johnson's teamsheet. Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2015