Tony Mowbray’s side will be looking to bounce back following two consecutive defeats against Rotherham and Coventry, which have seen them slip to ninth in the table.
Sunderland will come up against their former boss Alex Neil, whose Stoke side sit 17th in the Championship table.
Dennis Cirkin and Lynden Gooch both remain big doubts for the hosts, but could return for next weekend’s trip to Norwich.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland XI to face Stoke:
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
The goalkeeper was unfortunate to concede four goals against Middlesbrough, when he made some excellent saves and was left exposed following Dan Neil’s red card. Photo: Frank Reid
2. RB: Niall Huggins
Huggins was forced off with an injury in the first half against Middlesbrough, yet Mowbray has said the defender has a chance of playing against Stoke. Photo: Frank Reid
3. CB: Luke O’Nien
O’Nien has captained Sunderland for every league game this season as he continues to play in a centre-back role. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Dan Ballard
Ballard missed Northern Ireland’s second match against Slovenia with a minor thigh injury but is expected to be available to face Stoke. Photo: Frank Reid