Source: SKY_Sports
Sunderland v Hull City preview
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has reiterated that he wants to turn the Stadium of Light into a fortress ahead of Hull City's visit on Saturday.
The Black Cats lost 10 times at home last season as they flirted with relegation from the top flight.
New boss Bruce is eager to rectify that statistic but saw his team lose 3-1 to Chelsea in the first home game of the new term at the Stadium of Light.
But the Black Cats bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn and Bruce will be hoping to now double up against Hull, especially as his side lost 1-0 away at Stoke before the international break.
But they will find it hard against a Tigers side who will be buoyed by a two- game unbeaten run in the top flight.
The Tigers put a 2-1 loss at Chelsea and a 5-1 home thumping to Spurs behind them to beat Bolton 1-0 at home and then earn a creditable 1-1 draw at Wolves.
Phil Brown's team will also be keen to avenge last season's 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland newsThe tie has been given added spice as former Hull favourite Michael Turner could make his Sunderland debut against his old side.
Bruce will also make a late decision on whether to hand young goalkeeper Trevor Carson a senior debut against the Tigers.
Craig Gordon (thigh) and Marton Fulop (heel) are both doubts, and the Northern Ireland international is on stand-by to take over.
Full-back George McCartney is out with a hamstring injury, and Bruce will choose between loan signing John Mensah, Paulo da Silva and Kieran Richardson for a replacement on the left of defence.
Midfielder Lee Cattermole is expected to shake off a slight groin injury picked up on England Under-21 duty, but the manager will assess Kenwyne Jones, Da Silva and Lorik Cana after their late returns from international duty.
Hull newsJan Vennegoor of Hesselink looks set to be handed his Hull debut at Sunderland, with fellow striker Caleb Folan likely to leave the club.
Folan has started all four of the Tigers' Premier League matches to date but could now be sent out on loan after boss Brown signed the Dutch forward.
Brown will check on the fitness of Jozy Altidore, who returned from international duty in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday morning.
But long-term absentees Ian Ashbee, Jimmy Bullard and Richard Garcia are still sidelined with knee injuries, as are Dean Marney and Anthony Gardner.
Brown told the club's official website: "Dean Marney is in the melting pot for the squad, but it might be a game too early for him because he has been out for a month.
"Anthony Gardner will probably just miss out on this game, but it's fingers crossed for next week."
Possible starting Xls:Sunderland: Carson, Bardsley, Turner, Nosworthy, Mensah, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Malbranque, Bent, Jones.
Hull: Myhill, Dawson, Sonka, Zayatte, Mouyokolo, Kilbane, Hunt, Olofinjana, Geovanni, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas.
