Preview: Bradford City vs. Sunderland

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet takes his side to Bradford City on Sunday aware that he can't afford a second defeat in the space of five days.

The Black Cats appeared to have turned a corner after putting together four games without defeat, but the loss at home to Queens Park Rangers could have a negative effect on the North-East outfit.

The setback means that Poyet is likely to make changes for the FA Cup trip to Valley Parade, with Wes Brown, Ricardo Alvarez and Steven Fletcher all in line to be included in the starting lineup.

Sunderland, who sit in 15th place in the Premier League table, have progressed past Leeds United and Fulham to reach the last 16.

Bradford go into the tie on Sunday afternoon having built on their fairytale 4-2 triumph against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the previous round.

There would have been the fear within the club's ranks that their cup exploits could hinder their league form, but seven points from three games have kept the Bantams in contention for a playoff place.

Second-choice goalkeeper Ben Williams is likely to be handed a start after playing in previous cup games throughout this campaign.

Duo Billy Knott and Jon Stead will both be coming face to face with their former employers, with Knott having made one substitute appearance in the Premier League and Stead having made 42 appearances between 2005 and 2007.

Bradford City:

Form in FA Cup: LWWDWW Form in all competitions: WLWDDW

Possible starting lineup: Williams, Darby, Davies, McArdle, Meredith, Knott, Liddle, Clarke, Morais, Hanson, Stead

Sunderland:

Form in FA Cup: WWLWDW Form in all competitions: LDWWDL

Possible starting lineup: Pantilimon, Reveillere, Brown, O'Shea, Van Aanholt, Bridcutt, Larsson, Alvarez, Johnson, Fletcher, Defoe

Sports Mole says: 1-2