Sunderland boss David Moyes says the absence of Nigerian forward Victor Anichebe will mean the Black Cats reverting to a more counter-attacking play.
After a poor start to the season, Anichebe was instrumental in Sunderland's good spell as his build-up play helped improve the attacking third of the team.
But since his injury at Burnley on New Year’s Eve, Sunderland have won just once and are currently bottom in the league.