Benji Kimpioka will make his comeback from injury this afternoon when Sunderland Under-23s take on Newcastle United Under-23s in the Premier League 2.
The forward hasn’t featured since October when he picked up a hamstring injury in the 23s’ 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
But he leads the line today as the Lads look to complete the double over the Magpies.
Remi Matthews will also start between the sticks as Elliott Dickman’s side aim to bounce back from last week’s 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
Josh Hawkes is also in the starting XI after featuring on the bench for Lee Johnson’s side on Saturday against Rochdale.
Victory could take the Black Cats to within two points of Middlesbrough who currently sit in 10th place, although Sunderland do have three games in hand on Boro.
While today’s visitors sit one place behind Sunderland with 16 points from 15 games.
The game is unavailable to watch, but there will be live updates via the club’s Twitter account @SunderlandAFC.
Sunderland: Matthews, Trialist, B Taylor, Almond, Wombwell, Hawkes, Wilding, Hackett, E Taylor, Wearne, Kimpioka
Subs: Beaumont, Patterson, Harris, Chapman, Kelly