Stoke City team news vs Sunderland as Mark Robins makes three changes
Mark Robins has made three changes to his Stoke City starting XI for an FA Cup third round tie at Sunderland.
Lewis Baker comes straight back in after returning from a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers while Enda Stevens makes his first start since November. Wouter Burger also comes back into midfield.
Lynden Gooch and Bae Junho drop to the bench while Sam Gallagher misses out after picking up a hamstring injury last weekend against Plymouth Argyle. Ben Gibson misses out on a place in the squad due to injury.
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Junho's absence highlights Stoke lack of options on the wing and it remains to be seen how Robins sets Stoke out at kick-off and whether Andrew Moran or Lewis Koumas start wide or go with something like a midfield diamond.
Baker had started the last four games for Blackburn but Robins wanted him back for his experience and quality.
Robins said at his pre-match press conference: "It's a great re-signing. It is. I really like Lewis and I've liked him for a long time. He's got a great pedigree, a great understanding of Stoke, he's been here a long time. He's good on and off the ball, more on the ball and what he brings, which is quality. He's a quality Championship player and you can't have too many of them.
"He's incredibly experienced at Championship level. You can't have enough people around like Lew, he knows the players - or the majority of them - and he is somebody who wanted to come back, which was important in the conversations I had. He comes back and I'm delighted to have him here and working alongside him. "
Stoke: Johansson, Tchamadeu, Stevens, Phillips, Wilmot, Seko, Burger, Baker, Moran, Koumas, Cannon. Subs: Bonham, Rose, Lawal, Gooch, Sidibe, Junho, Vidigal, Tezgel, Ennis.
