David Healy

By The Black Cats
January 22 2009

Ricky Sbragia is set to give his fringe players a chance to impress in Saturday's FA Cup encounter against Blackburn Rovers. Sbragia, whose side face Fulham in a crucial Barclays Premier League game next Tuesday, will make changes in the fourth-round clash. This is a bit of a contradiction - Sbragia, in the last few days, has said that he will field a strong team.

Among those who are likely to be called up are Michael Chopra, David Healy, Andy Reid and Grant Leadbitter.

Sbragia said: "We have to look at it. Last time we had a break of seven days after the cup game; this time we have three days, so there is a concern about the recovery of the players.

"I would imagine that I'll change it around, the squad players will feature but it will be a team we feel can get us through to the next round."

Steed Malbranque is available after suspension and could feature but Teemu Tainio is banned after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Aston Villa last weekend.

Nyron Nosworthy is ruled out after tearing his hamstring against Villa.

Saturday's game will be the fourth meeting between Sunderland and Blackburn this season.

"It'll be nice to see them again!" said Sbragia. "Sam has got them organised and it will be a tough game, I think he will send out a strong team."