If Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Cup tie with MK Dons was the dress rehearsal for Saturday, then it was a seamless rendition for Sunderland.

The Black Cats won yet again on the road as they beat this weekend’s League One opponents 3-0.

Lee Johnson rang the changes and it paid off as Dean Lewington’s own goal followed by strikes from Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke sealed the victory.

MK Dons were well in the game until the introduction of McGeady and Wyke changed proceedings. It bodes well for the Mackems heading into their clash today with the same opponents.

Sunderland are yet to taste defeat on the road under Johnson and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if that streak continued. Though, who will be the starting XI of players bidding to take all three points back to the northeast?

We’re tipping the boss to make as many as six changes to his XI for the clash today. We’ll start in defence where Lee Burge returns between the sticks at the expense of Remi Matthews.

Another change is at left-back. Callum McFadzean has been ruled out of contention with a groin injury and thus, Southampton loanee Jake Vokins will likely deputise at left-back.

Bailey Wright is also expected to come back into the defence. The £13k-per-week defender has missed the last two games with concussion but should now be fit enough to resume his duties at centre half.

Max Power will continue at right-back with Conor McLaughlin set to be eased back into action next week.

There is a solitary switch in midfield where Grant Leadbitter replaces Jack Diamond. The remaining two changes are in attacking areas. Lynden Gooch and Jordan Jones drop out in favour of Wyke and McGeady, two of the team’s most in form players.

Between the pair of them, they have contributed to nine goals in Sunderland’s last six outings. They are clearly vital to Johnson’s game plan.

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