Summer signings to debut for Cats

Steve Bruce could include four of his summer signings in his squad when he goes into his first Premier League game as Sunderland boss.

Lee Cattermole, the most recent recruit, will be joined by fellow midfielder Lorik Cana and strikers Darren Bent and Fraizer Campbell.

Paraguay defender Paulo Da Silva will finally link up with his new teammates after having his visa application granted, but is unlikely to play due to a lack of match fitness.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is still recovering from knee surgery, so Marton Fulop starts the season with Northern Ireland Under-21 international Trevor Carson on the bench.

Defender Nyron Nosworthy is expected to be involved despite dislocating a finger in last Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw at Hearts. But Bruce will check on midfielder Andy Reid (thigh) and right-back Phil Bardsley (ankle), who are slight doubts.

Sunderland (from): Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Campbell, Bent, Jones, Nosworthy, Da Silva, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Healy, Carson.