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.