That was always going to be the case given that Sunderland' s clear priority is League One promotion, but an early run in the Carabao Cup only heightens the need to protect some senior players.
At Sincil Bank there will be a blend of senior and U23 players, with a number of the former away on international duty.
Elliott Dickman's side also play an important league game against West Brom on Monday night, meaning there is a need to find a balance to ensure both teams are competitive.
There will undoubtedly be chances for a good core of his group, however, and those openings could yet increase significantly in the remaining group games.
So with that in mind, we run you through a (not exhaustive) guide to some fo the players you could see feature...
9. STEPHEN WEARNE
Wearne has been one of the key players in Sunderland's U23 setup over the last year or so. An attacking midfielder whose natural slot would be in the number ten role if Lee Johnson continues to use his 4-2-3-1 shape in the Trophy. He is Dickman's main creative outlet and one of the players you'd expect to be rewarded. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
10. ELLIS TAYLOR
That Taylor has been included in the last two League One squads tells you in itself how highly he is rated by the senior coaching staff. Sunderland see him in asimilar position to Dan Neil last year, getting exposure in first-team trainign will taking a key role in the U23s team wherever possible. Primarily a winger but able to play at full back, he is quick and very impressive in terms of his composure in possession. Physically he has some developing to do, but is a really exciting talent to keep an eye on and had a superb pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid
11. WILL HARRIS
Sunderland recruited Harris from Burnley and he has been a crucial part of Elliot Dickman's side ever since. At 21, Harris is a genuine number nine and in that sense a bit of a throwback to another era. He's athletic and mobile, but good in the air and will battle centre-backs to bring his team-mates into play. A hat-trick against Wolves last week was superbly timed, and he has been one of the better performers in the group so far this season. It would be a major surprise if he wasn't rewarded with some gametime in this competition along the way. Photo: Frank Reid
12. THE NEXT, NEXT GENERATION
This season's competition (and of course we hope it'll be the last in terms of senior involvement) might just come a little too soon for Caden Kelly, a promising player and set-piece specialist who has stepped into the U23 squad this season. Likewise Tom Scott, a mdifielder signed from Northampton Town who is young and still finding his feet in Dickman's side. Nathan Newall and Cameron Jessup provide further defensive options, though Hume's return could mean Newall finds it hard to break through in terms of this group stage. Vinnie Steels has been a regular for Dickman's side in recent times, but has missed the last couple of U23 fixtures. Photo: JPI Media