Sunderland face a tough test as they bid to preserve their unbeaten home record against an in-form Man City side and without a number of key senior players.
Here’s how we think Régis Le Bris will set his side up tonight, and who will likely make the bench...
17. Sub - Wilson Isidor
Has done well over the last couple of weeks from the bench and that's likely to earn another cameo here. | Getty Images
18. Sub - Dennis Cirkin
Came off the bench last week and will likely keep his place in the squad with Le Bris needing additional defensive cover in Ballard's absence. | AFP via Getty Images
19. Sub - Bertrand Traore
No doubt that Traore is Le Bris's first choice on the right flank when fully fit but he's played so little football since December that he will almost certainly have to be used as an impact sub on his return from a knee injury. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
20. Sub - Nilson Angulo
Le Bris might need an extra defender on his bench for cover with Ballard suspended, and so probably won't have room for all of his wingers. Angulo's extra experience might just nudge him ahead of Jocelin Ta Bi. | Nilson Angulo of Sunderland against Port Vale. Photo by Chris Fryatt.