Régis Le Bris has a difficult balancing act on Saturday as Sunderland begin their FA Cup campaign against Everton.
The Black Cats boss has pledged to pick the strongest team possible but admits that he needs to rest some players after what was a punishing festive schedule. Here, we predict what the starting XI and the bench could look like as Sunderland travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time...
17. Sub - Dennis Cirkin
Will likely keep his place in the squad with Le Bris needing additional defensive cover in Ballard's absence. | AFP via Getty Images
18. Sub -Jocelin Ta Bi
The winger has been preferred to Bertrand Traore for the last fortnight. | Getty Images
19. Sub - Bertrand Traore
The winger will likely return to the squad for the first time since the Leeds win given Talbi's injury, and could make his last appearance for the club with his contract currently set to expire this summer | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
20. Sub - Harrison Jones
If Alderete is ruled out then Jones will likely return to the matchday squad | Getty Images