Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill opted to leave Alfred N'Diaye on the bench as he was boosted by the return to fitness of John O'Shea for today's game.

Titus Bramble comes in as the preferred partner for O'Shea, with Matt Kilgallon dropping to the bench. Jack Colback will start in defence while it's David Vaughan - who impressed against Bolton - who keeps N'Diaye out the starting eleven.

Stephane Sessegnon returns to partner Steven Fletcher, meaning Connor Wickham once again has to make do with a place on the bench.

Sunderland (4-4-2): Simon Mignolet; Craig Gardner, John O'Shea, Titus Bramble, Jack Colback; Adam Johnson, Seb Larsson, David Vaughan, James McClean; Stephane Sessegnon, Steven Fletcher

Substitutes: Keiren Westwood, Phil Bardsley, Alfred N'Diaye, Connor Wickham, Fraizer Campbell, James McFadden, Matt Kilgallon.

Hammers boss 'Big' Sam Allardyce goes with a mixture of youth and experience at the back with the usual names of James Collins and Winston Reid there's a start for Daniel Potts.

Alou Diarra makes a rare start in midfield ahead of the talented Mohamed Diame, while our arch nemesis Kevin Nolan will be hoping to get his first goals since November. There's also no room for Mark Noble who misses out with injury.

Loan signing Marouane Chamakh makes the bench, but there's no room for Brazilian loanee Wellington Paulista.

West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Jussi Jaaskelainen; Guy Demel, James Collins, Winston Reid, Daniel Potts; Alou Diarra, Jack Collison; Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis, Joe Cole; Carlton Cole

Substitutes: Raphael Spiegel, Gary O'Neil, Mohamed Diame, Matt Taylor, Ricardo Vaz Te, Marouane Chamakh

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