The FA Cup fourth-round tie between Oxford United and Sunderland is set to go ahead despite concerns over the state of the pitch at the Kassam Stadium. The Black Cats, fresh off their penalty shootout win over Everton, are traveling to Oxford in the midst of heavy rainfall and a poor forecast. However, the pitch passed an 11 a.m. inspection, and the game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. Despite this, the referee, Thomas Kirk, will continue to monitor conditions, as rain persists in Oxford. A further pitch inspection at 1 p.m. revealed that the game is good to play, with players from both teams sent out to warm up on the surface. The surface remains very heavy, with wet patches along the touchline and in one of the goalmouths, according to the Northern Echo. Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has named a strong side, making six changes from the team that started against Liverpool, as he looks to progress into the fifth round. Le Bris has admitted he will juggle his squad, with the Premier League remaining the main focus. 'We'll probably adjust the squad, but it will be important to go strong,' he said. 'I think the schedule won't be too busy during this second part of the season. It's possible to combine both.' Sunderland's starting XI is as follows: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, O'Nien, Cirkin; Geertruida, Le Fee, Diarra; Talbi, Mundle, Isidor. Subs: Ellborg, Sadiki, Jocelin, Rigg, Angulo, Brobbey, Jenson Jones, Whittaker, Mayenda. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest SAFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Follow the Chronicle's Sunderland AFC page for more news and analysis. But here's where it gets controversial... The pitch inspection and the decision to go ahead with the game have sparked debate among fans and experts. Some argue that the conditions are too hazardous for the players, while others believe that the game should have been postponed. What do you think? Do you agree with the decision to play the game, or would you have preferred it to be postponed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
