After a strong start to the League One season, Sunderland welcome Manchester United Under-21s to the Stadium of Light in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
Lee Johnson's promotion favourites will get their Northern Section Group F campaign underway with a visit from the Red Devils' talented youngsters.
Match preview
Last year's winners of a tournament which has been much criticised in the past, Sunderland enter the competition for clubs in League One and League Two - plus 16 Premier League academy teams - in flying early-season form.
Having helped the Black Cats claim some rare silverware last term, as they beat Tranmere to end their Wembley 'curse', the EFL Trophy now provides an opportunity to build momentum following a positive first few weeks of the 2021-22 season.
After a 3-1 victory over Wycombe at the weekend, Sunderland are on a run of three straight wins in all competitions, including a 3-2 win at Blackpool in the EFL Cup.
Lee Johnson's men sit top of the League One standings, and have posted five wins from their last six outings in all - with in-form striker Ross Stewart bagging a brace on Saturday to make it four for his season so far. The ex-Ross County forward managed three goals in his 13 appearances after moving south last season and will expect to far surpass that strike rate this time around.
Should he be given the opportunity - as Johnson may choose to rest one of his prized assets ahead of next Saturday's high-profile clash with Sheffield Wednesday - then Stewart is sure to prove more than a handful for some inexperienced opposition defenders.
Manchester United's academy has been notoriously prolific over the years, with many of its graduates going on to represent the Reds and other major clubs with distinction.
The current crop of United talents will travel to Sunderland expecting to gain valuable experience in senior football, but also with the aim of recovering lost ground, having been defeated by Lincoln City in their opening match of the competition.
Anthony Scully scored a hat-trick as the home side ran out 3-2 winners last week, with United having only one recognised centre-back available and struggling to handle the former West Ham striker throughout.
Drawn with the Red Imps, Sunderland and Bradford City in a challenging group, Neil Wood's young charges were largely second best to their more hardened opponents, but will hope to perform better in the North-East this week.
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Team News
Sunderland started with Nathan Broadhead up front in their EFL Cup encounter with Blackpool recently, so Lee Johnson may again turn to the Everton loanee to give Ross Stewart a rest, with the Scottish striker ready to make an impact from the bench if required.
Jack Diamond and Niall Huggins may both be given an opportunity too, as Johnson shuffles his pack from the weekend's win against Wycombe.
Carl Winchester, Tom Flanagan, Callum Doyle and Dennis Cirkin could make up the Black Cats' back four.
United, meanwhile, are still struggling in the centre of defence, as Bjorn Hardley is the only fully-fit candidate to play. Hardley and Charlie McNeill pulled goals back for the Reds in last week's defeat at Lincoln, and the latter should also start on Tuesday.
Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was sent off in injury time, though, so misses out through suspension.
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Burge; Winchester, Flanagan, Doyle, Cirkin; O'Nein, Neil; Diamond, Pritchard, Huggins; Broadhead
Manchester United Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Mee; Wellens, Hardley, Fernandez; Svidersky, Savage; Shoretire, Mather, Hoogewerf; Mellor, McNeill
We say: Sunderland 3-1 Manchester United Under-21s
Sunderland have their tails up and can rely on their recent pedigree in this competition - plus the confidence from two EFL Cup wins already - to see off Manchester United's latest batch of hot properties.
A second straight defeat is set to be a chastening experience for the young Red Devils, but invaluable experience will be gained.
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