Team News: Jermain Defoe starts second successive Sunderland game

Jermain Defoe will start his second successive game for Sunderland in this afternoon's FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Championship outfit Fulham.

The former England international made his debut for Gus Poyet's side in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and retains his place in the starting XI alongside Steven Fletcher.

Poyet has made three changes to his side though, with Vito Mannone, Sebastian Coates and Liam Bridcutt all coming into the team.

Meanwhile, Kit Symons has made four changes to his side for the game at the Stadium of Light.

Marcus Bettinelli retains his place in goal and will play behind the same back four that started Wednesday's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

Further up the field, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Bryan Ruiz have come into the side, while youngsters Cauley Woodrow and Moussa Dembele will lead the attack.

Sunderland: Mannone, Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea, Coates, Vergini, Bridcutt, Larsson, Rodwell, Fletcher, Defoe

Fulham: Bettinelli; Grimmer, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis; Tunnicliffe; Fofana, Christensen; Ruiz; Woodrow, Dembélé