Gordon made his first start since knee surgery in Monday night's 4-1 Carling Cup win at Norwich and he may start again with Marton Fulop struggling with a heel problem.
Fraizer Campbell was left battered and bruised by his collision with Canaries' goalkeeper Ben Alnwick, but is expected to be fit, while midfielder Andy Reid, who scored twice, was one of several men to impress Steve Bruce after he rested nine of his key men.
Danny Collins will not be involved as he prepares to join the Potters.
Sunderland (from): Fulop, Gordon, Carson, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Bent, Jones, Campbell, Healy.
