Sunderland host Brentford in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, as both sides look to return to winning ways by booking their place in the next stage of the famous competition.

EFL Cup action returns to TV screens on Wednesday night, as Brentford travel to Wearside to take on Premier League rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are on a tricky run of form, and have struggled to balance fixtures in the Premier League and the Europa League so far this season, sitting rock-bottom of the top flight as things stand.

The Black Cats will be aiming to book their place in the next round of the cup to relieve some pressure off French boss Regis Le Bris, as Brentford will be aiming to inflict more pain upon the North East outfit.

Keith Andrews' side have hit a little bit of a blip as of late despite initially starting the season strongly, winning two of their eight in all competitions, as Football League World takes a look at the nine players set to miss this midweek clash under the lights.

Dan Ballard

Northern Irish centre-back Dan Ballard, when fit, is one of the first names on the Sunderland teamsheet. Unfortunately for the Black Cats, he is not fit, having suffered a hamstring injury whilst on international duty.

The 27-year-old has spent the last month on the sidelines watching on as his side struggle, and whilst he will be eager to get stuck back into the action, this fixture arrives a little too early for his return.

Romaine Mundle

English winger Romaine Mundle managed just one minute of Premier League football this season before picking up a serious knee injury back in late September, which required surgery.

He is not expected back anytime soon, and Sunderland will have to make do with the likes of Malick Fofana, Nilson Angulo, Chemsdine Talbi, Chris Rigg, and Jocelin Ta Bi in wide areas.

Wilson Isidor

French striker Wilson Isidor picked up a knock against Brighton, who is being closely monitored having returned to very light training last week, with it looking more likely that the 26-year-old will return to the squad on Halloween for the trip to Coventry.

In regards to Isidor, Le Bris has said: "For Wilson, we are just on the edge [so we'll see]."

It looks increasingly likely that Tymur Tutierov will lead the line once again in the cup to provide Brian Brobbey with a rest, as Isidor awaits the green light for his return.

Antoni Milambo

Dutch attacking midfielder Antoni Milambo joined Brentford in the summer of 2025, but has made just three appearances for the Bees' first team squad across all competitions, having continually struggled with injuries and competition for a place in the side.

Regarding Milambo, Andrews has said: "Antoni trained with the group on Saturday and he’s involved today [Tuesday], so he’s in and around it."

Whilst he is back on the grass, the 21-year-old is not expected to feature just yet.

Joshua Dasilva

From one player with rotten injury luck to another, English midfielder Josh Dasilva has made just seven appearances across all competitions since the beginning of the 2023/24 season, being repeatedly struck down with long term injuries.

In regards to the 28-year-old, Andrews said: "Josh, similarly to Antoni, was involved with the Saturday session before the Hull game. He’s building, was involved in a bigger session in midweek last week and is making really good strides."

Kaye Furo

Belgian striker Kaye Furo joined Brentford last summer from Club Brugge, but has largely been limited to the bench in West London in his first year at the club, but now, awaits his return to action.

On Furo, Andrews said: "Kaye is doing really well. He’s been out of his boot for about a week to 10 days. He’s not on the grass yet but is making really good progress and is in good spirits."

Yehor Yarmoliuk

Ukrainian midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk has become an important cog of the Bees side in the past couple of years, but is set to sit out this fixture whilst in the midst of a three-game suspension for headbutting Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet.

The 22-year-old won't be available for the game against Sunderland, nor the one at home to Nottingham Forest next weekend, as Andrews will have to make do with his other options in midweek.

Who do you think will be the biggest miss in this clash, and what are your score predictions? Share your thoughts below!

Rico Henry

29-year-old left-back Rico Henry is Brentford's current longest-serving player, having been with the club since 2016 following his move from Walsall, and has gone on to make just shy of 250 appearances for the Bees since.

However, he will take no part in this clash after Andrews confirmed he picked up a quad injury in training a few weeks ago, saying: "Rico is going to be out for a period of weeks, probably until after the international break. It’s really unfortunate for him. He’s working hard to get back up to speed."