Preview: Sunderland vs. Leeds United

Sunderland will be looking to avoid a third round-three exit in five seasons when they host Leeds United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Black Cats have won just once in their last 10 outings in the Premier League, so the distraction of the Cup may be well-timed for Gus Poyet's side.

The manager has already revealed that Lee Cattermole will miss the match with a groin injury, but Liam Bridcutt should be available after shaking off a concussion.

Danny Graham is also back with the Sunderland squad after returning to his parent club following a loan spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the striker is short of match fitness, playing just five times for the Championship side.

Meanwhile, Neil Redfearn has admitted that he could be forced to rotate his squad to avoid fatigue being a concern for the visitors.

Leeds have already played 26 matches in all competitions this season, and the coach is worried that he may burn out some of his younger players.

Noel Hunt is back at Elland Road following a loan spell at Ipswich Town recently, but he has a knee injury which could prevent him from featuring this weekend.

Like their opponents, Leeds will also be hoping for a distraction from their league form, with four defeats from their last five outings in the Championship, a run which has left them just a point clear of the relegation zone.

Leeds have made it past the third round just once in their previous four attempts, but were knocked out in round five by Manchester City in the 2012-13 season.

The two sides last played in 2006, when Sunderland beat Leeds twice in the space of three months.

Sunderland:

Form in FA Cup: DLWWWL Form in all competitions: DDWLDL

Possible starting lineup: Pantilimon, Vergini, O'shea, Brown, Jones, Rodwell, Alvarez, Larsson, Giaccherini, Bridcutt, Wickham

Leeds United:

Form in FA Cup: LDWWLL Form in all competitions: WLLDLL

Possible starting lineup: Silvestri, Byram, Bellusci, Cooper, Berardi, Cook, Bianchi, Austin, Sharp, Antenucci

Sports Mole says: 1-0