Patterson drops out of the matchday squad for the first time this season after picking up an injury, meaning Simon Moore is handed a first league appearance in a Sunderland shirt.

With Moore in the starting side, Blondy Nna Noukeu is promoted to the squad and is the second-choice goalkeeper on the bench.

Regis Le Bris has made two changes to the side that started Wednesday night’s victory at Luton Town, with Patrick Roberts returning to the line-up after dropping down to the bench at Kenilworth Road.

Roberts, who play in his usual slot on the right-hand side, replaces Alan Browne, who is back on the substitutes’ bench this afternoon.

SUNDERLAND (4-3-3):  Moore; Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin; Rigg, Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Isidor, Mundle.

Subs: Nna Noukeu, Browne, Rusyn, Aouchiche, Connolly, Aleksic, Hjelde, Watson, Johnson.

OXFORD (4-1-4-1): Cumming; Kioso, Moore, Nelson, Brown; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, El Mizouni, Harris; Scarlett.

Subs: Ingram, Long, McEachran, Ebiowei, Sibley, Dale, Leigh, Avest, Goodwin.