Sunderland vs Hull City; can the Tigers continue their sensational start?

Sunderland will host Hull City at the Stadium of Light in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

The clash brings together the last two Championship play-off winners, with both sides looking to advance to the fourth round.

The Black Cats have enjoyed a slightly weaker start to the season compared to last year, but have still been able to accumulate a respectable four points.

Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw away at Brentford.

Regis Le Bris's side have been praised for their resilience, with no other team in the league winning more points from losing positions since the start of last season.

As for Hull City, since their sensational play-off final win at Middlesbrough last season, the Tigers have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign.

Hull have picked up seven points from their first three games, including a famous 2-0 win over Manchester United.

This has left them third in the league, only trailing Manchester City and Arsenal.

Hull have also yet to concede a goal, in large part due to the remarkable performances of Christian Tzolakis, a £23 million signing from Olympiacos.

The two teams last met in the Carabao Cup in 2020, when both sides were playing in League One.

That match was also played at the Stadium of Light, with Hull City advancing after winning 5-4 on penalties.

This time, the two teams are meeting in the third round rather than the first.

The last four meetings between Hull City and Sunderland have all remarkably ended in a 1-0 win for the away side.

Team News:

With Sunderland's upcoming fixture list including games against Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as a long-awaited European debut, Le Bris is expected to heavily rotate his team.

The Sunderland manager may also include some of his new signings.

Malick Fofana, signed from Lyon on deadline day, may make his debut, while their other new signing, Kevin Danso, may also feature after an impressive debut.

Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra is out for two months after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunderland's 1-0 win over Fulham.

Hull City have a longer injury list, with five players out injured, including Darko Gyabi and Jack Butland.

However, the Tigers have been aided by the return of Joe Gelhardt to training, with his loan move from Leeds United now permanent.

Hull City made four signings on deadline day, and all four will look to feature and compete for a starting place in Sergej Jakirović's squad.

Predicted Starting 11s:

Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo Mandava, Jobe Bellingham, Granit Xhaka, Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Wilson Isidor, Brian Brobbey.

Hull City (5-4-1): Christian Tzolakis, Cody Drameh, Semi Ajayi, Charlie Hughes, Richard Egan, Matt Targett, Anass Zaroury, Regan Slater, Oumar Solet, Abu Kamara, Oli McBurnie.