Kieran Richardson returns for Sunderland, while Aston Villa left back Stephen Warnock is rated doubtful.
Warnock suffered a neck injury last time out and could be replaced by Luke Young, with Carlos Cueller moving to right back and James Collins coming in at centre half.
Elsewhere, Villa boss Martin O'Neill is set to keep faith with the starting XI that beat Manchester United 1-0 last time out, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew keeping their places in attack.
For Sunderland, Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley are back after suspension and both are expected to start for Steve Bruce's side.
Fellow defender John Mensah has been back in training this week and could be on the bench, but Bolo Zenden, Anton Ferdinand and goalkeeper Craig Gordon are all still sidelined with injury.
KICK-OFF : TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th 19:45 GMT
SUNDERLAND vs ASTON VILLA ODDS AND MATCH BETTING
Sunderland to win: 7/4 at Bet365 - Up to ?200 in Free Bets
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Draw: 23/10 at Stan James - Bet ?25, Get A ?25 Bet Free
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