Hull are waiting on the fitness of key players Daniel Cousin and Bernard Mendy ahead of their crunch trip to Sunderland.

Cousin has missed the Tigers' last four games while Mendy was forced off at half-time in Saturday's defeat at Middlesbrough. The pair were both due to be assessed during training today.

Hull are forced to make at least one change with captain Ian Ashbee suspended after accumulating 10 booking this season. George Boateng is likely to start in his place.

Wales international Boaz Myhill could also return in goal at the expense of Matt Duke.

Kieran Richardson is set to return to Sunderland's side after recovering from a calf injury.

Dean Whitehead (calf) is also fit after missing last weekend's game against Manchester United, but might have to settle for a place on the bench.

Steed Malbranque, who was rested against the champions, is pushing for a return. George McCartney and David Healy remain sidelined while Andy Reid has recovered from a knock and is available.

Teams:
 

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Davenport, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Ben-Haim, Collins, McShane, Tainio, Whitehead, Edwards, Malbranque, Richardson, Leadbitter, Reid, Yorke, Colback, Cisse, Murphy, Jones.

Hull (from): Duke, Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Barmby, Boateng, Kilbane, Geovanni, Manucho, Fagan, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan, Marney, Featherstone, Doyle, Hughes, France, Cousin.