Nigel Pearson will make just one change to the starting XI that faced Hull City on the opening day of the season with former Forest Green wing-back Kane Wilson pushing for a start on the right. Centre-backs Nathan Baker and Tomas Kalas both remain sidelined for the visit of Sunderland. Alex Neil could make two changes to the side that faced Coventry on opening day with Luke O'Nien and new signing Ellis Simms both in line for their first starts of the season. Creative force Patrick Roberts is sidelined for the trip to Ashton Gate while summer signing Leon Dajaku is struggling with a calf injury and is a doubt.
Bristol City have a right to feel aggrieved after a dubious penalty call and a heavy deflection saw them robbed of points by Shota Arveladze's Hull side. The Robins have added young talent to the squad in Mark Sykes, Kane Wilson and the experience of Kal Naismith this summer and should be top-half contenders come May. Big-money signing Jack Clarke made an immediate impact after making his loan move from Spurs permanent in the summer, scoring Sunderland's only goal in a 1-1 draw against Coventry. Avoiding relegation should be a comfortable achievement for the Black Cats on their Championship return. 1:1
Sunderland A.F.C 
Sunderland A.F.C 
Bristol City VS Sunderland A.F.C 