Sunderland will be seeking their first win of the campaign when they host Colchester in Carling Cup action.
Black Cats players return; United in doubt over stopper
Sunderland will be seeking their first win of the campaign when they host Colchester in Carling Cup action on Tuesday.
The Black Cats got their Premier League season underway with a 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham before suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat at West Brom on Saturday, adding to a dismal run of results on the road which has seen them win just 10 times in their last six top-flight seasons.
But manager Steve Bruce will shelve Sunderland's league woes and focus on their cup ambitions as they entertain their League One rivals at the Stadium of Light and is confident his side can mount a serious challenge in the tournament.
Bruce said: "I have always said since I came here, it is going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League, but the one thing we are capable of is winning a cup because you only have to win five or six games - as long as they are not away from home!"
Colchester reached the second round of the cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Hereford and are unbeaten in the league so far this season.
John Ward's side built on their opening 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday by seeing off Rochdale 2-1 on Saturday, putting them in good stead for the trip to the North East.
Sunderland team news
Winger Andy Reid is likely to make his first appearance of the season having not played since February due to a series of injuries.
Michael Turner also returns following suspension while captain Lee Cattermole is set for a run-out after serving a one-match ban.
Bruce could also welcome Anton Ferdinand back into the fold following the defender's recovered from injury.
The manager is likely to rotate some members of his squad for the encounter but is still looking to field a strong side.
Colchester team news
The visitors could be missing Paul Reid for the clash after the defender picked up a knock and was forced out of action during the win at Rochdale.
He was replaced by Pat Baldwin for that match and the long-serving centre-back is now in line to start at the Stadium of Light.
Goalkeeper Ben Williams has returned to training following an ankle injury but Ward is unlikely to risk him, meaning Mark Cousins should retain his place.
Striker Steven Gillespie is still out with an ankle injury, while midfielder John-Joe O'Toole and defender Morten Knudsen remain long-term absentees with knee problems.
