Sunderland need a response after a difficult league start
The home side have collected five points from eight league matches and are at the bottom of the table. Their most recent game ended 0:0 against Leeds United.
Brian Brobbey is available again and gives Sunderland another option in attack. His return is confirmed, but the starting line-up will only be known when the team sheet is released.
Brentford have already won twice in the cup
Brentford beat Birmingham City 6:1 and Reading 2:1 in the previous rounds. Those results put the visitors into the fourth round with eight goals scored.
Rico Henry is unavailable with a thigh or quadriceps injury.
The fourth-round match is decided on the night
The game begins at 19:45 GMT. A level score after 90 minutes would lead to penalties, with no second leg available.
The clubs drew 1:1 in their recent league meeting. Sunderland produced 14 shots and put five on target in that match, so the home side know they can create chances against Brentford.
Video assistant referees are not used in this Carabao Cup round. Referee Gavin Ward and his on-field team will therefore make the match decisions without a VAR review.
Sunderland are trying to use the cup to improve a difficult start, while Brentford arrive after two wins in the competition. The winner advances to the quarter-finals.