Sunderland return to FA Cup action this evening as Tony Mowbray's side host Fulham in the fourth round of the competition at the Stadium of Light.

The two teams have been forced to contest a replay after the initial tie ended in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, with the winner of tonight's clash going through to the fifth round.

Mowbray's men head into this clash with a Premier League side off the back of a 1-1 draw with Millwall in their last outing in the Championship.

The Black Cats are also back in action in the second tier of English football on Saturday as they host Reading on Wearside, which could influence the manager's selections for this game against Fulham.

Mowbray could rest a couple of his key players in order to avoid burnout and further injuries heading into the second half of the campaign, after already losing Ross Stewart and Corry Evans for the rest of the season.

One change the manager could make is dropping Jack Clarke to the bench in order to unleash 18-year-old winger Jewison Bennette from the start.

Clarke has started 27 Championship matches and was in the XI for the initial draw with the Cottagers but could be handed a rest ahead of the weekend.

If the former Tottenham man is given an opportunity to take a breather tonight, Mowbray must bring Bennette into the team in his place as the exciting young forward has shown promise at times.

Earlier this season, the Black Cats head coach hailed the gem's style of play, saying: “He’s very fast and direct, and is one of those electric players that gets people out of their seats.

“If he skips past that first challenge, he’s off and you’re not catching him."

The attacker is someone who can excite supporters with his dynamic play out wide. He has completed six dribbles and scored one goal in 193 minutes of Championship action this season, which shows that the teenager is a direct player who likes to take defenders on with the ball.

Bennette, who has been directly involved in two goals in four U21 appearances for Sunderland, has only started once in all competitions for the senior side and this replay could be his big opportunity to shine and show Mowbray that he deserves more minutes in the coming months.

Therefore, the Black Cats manager must unleash the Costa Rica international from the start tonight as it would allow Clarke a rest ahead of the match against Reading, whilst also exciting supporters and giving the young wizard a chance to impress.