The Sunderland side which could face QPR - as Lee Johnson considers changes for Carabao Cup clash

Promotion from League One is clearly the priority for Sunderland this season, and Johnson has used the cup competitions to rotate his side.

But with a quarter-final place up for grabs, there is a real opportunity to reach the latter stages.

Johnson will also be wary of two important away fixtures against Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday which are coming up.

Sunderland dropped to fourth in League One, albeit with games in hand on most of the sides around them, following Saturday’s defeat by Charlton, putting extra importance on the next few league games.

The Black Cats have had several players sidelined through injury in recent weeks but are close to having a fully-fit squad again.

Here's the side we think could start against QPR:

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