Sunderland boss Gus Poyet will field a strong line-up against FA Cup opponents Leeds United.

Three games in a week over Christmas and the new year have taken their toll, in particular on defenders John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Santiago Vergini, and there could be changes, although the 47-year-old Uruguayan will pay full respect to a competition which is close to his heart.

He said: "I played in the Copa del Rey, I played in the Coupe de France - I played in the cup in different countries and it doesn't mean too much, I promise you.

"Here, it means a lot. We know how important it is and if you get through the first two or three rounds, you are there, so the idea is to play.

"That's why I want to play the strongest team without playing any injured players. We will try to make sure we do the best thing. It's not easy. Especially at the back, it's tough, but we will try our best."