The Black Cats suffered their first league defeat of the season at Sheffield United in midweek but have still taken five points from their opening four fixtures.
Neil is facing a few selection headaches, though, with Dan Neil suspended for the trip to Stoke, while Daniel Ballard and Carl Winchester will be sidelined through injury.
Captain Corry Evans is also a doubt for the match after missing the Sheffield United fixture.
Here’s the Sunderland side we think could start against Stoke:
Captain Corry Evans is also a doubt for the match after missing the Sheffield United fixture.
5. RWB: Lynden Gooch
Scored his first goal of the season with a dinked finish against Sheffield United last time out. Has started the season well in the right wing-back role. Photo: Frank Reid
Has continued to operate in the left wing-back role where he has performed well, despite a challenging evening at Sheffield United. Photo: Martin Swinney
After being left out of the squad for the first three Championship matches, the midfielder came off the bench against Sheffield United and produced a decent cameo. With Corry Evans likely to be sidelined through injury and Dan Neil suspended, Matete could receive another opportunity. Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022