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Riley McGree is hurt in the Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough matchup.
Boro were dealt a major blow ahead of the game with influential midfielder Riley McGree ruled out with a foot injury. He is replaced by Matt Crooks. Jonny Howson returns to the squad after missing the Cardiff game through illness, but the captain is on the bench, with Dan Barlaser keeping his place in midfield and partnering Hayden Hackney.
After missing the midweek win over Cardiff with a hamstring injury, Rav van den Berg returns to the side in place of Tommy Smith at right-back, with Lukas Engel retaining his place in the XI at left-back after his impressive midweek showing.
Paddy McNair and Dael Fry continue at centre-half.
Paddy McNair and Dael Fry continue at centre-half.
Former Sunderland youngster Sam Greenwood keeps his place in the team, though might shift over to the left with Crooks coming into the XI. Josh Coburn continues up-front.
For Sunderland, Abdoullah Ba keeps his place in the team after impressing and scoring against Watford in the absence of Alex Pritchard.
Niall Huggins, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien and Trai Hume make up the defence, with Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham in midfield. Ba lines up alongside Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts in the forward positions behind striker Mason Burstow.
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