Sunderland: Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard return as Regis Le Bris talks rotation

Sunderland boss makes several changes to his starting XI

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has made several changes to his starting XI for today's clash with Reading.

Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard return to the side after missing the win over QPR last weekend, while Jack Clarke and Jewison Bennette come into the team.

Ellis Simms and Amad Diallo drop to the bench, while Edouard Michut is suspended.

Speaking ahead of the game, Le Bris said he had made the changes to keep his squad fresh.

"We have a lot of games coming up in a short space of time, so it's important that we keep everyone fresh," he said.

"We have a good squad and I'm confident that whoever comes into the team will be able to do a job.

Patterson; Spence, Ballard, Alese, Cirkin; Neil, Rigg, Clarke; Roberts, Stewart, Bennette