In previous encounters, there has been something of a fixation on McCarthy coming back to put one over on the team that sacked him, or the media frenzy of him going up against former nemesis Roy Keane.

Of course, Keane is long gone, so that particular topic of interest is not up for discussion, and while some may focus on McCarthy coming back to his old stomping ground, it seems that the biggest talking point is what team the Black Cats will put out.

My prediction of a win over Burnley last weekend disappeared up its own behind (along with our attempts of defending in the second half).

So boss Steve Bruce could well be set to wield the axe ahead of Sunday's clash with Wolves.

The performances of John Mensah and Paulo Da Silva in the Carling Cup clash in midweek has added further fuel to that fire, and Bruce could well be tempted to give the pair their first Premier League start.

Mensah certainly made his mark with the red and white faithful in the win over Birmingham City in midweek.

The defender was in top form, and while City weren't at full strength, you couldn't fail to be impressed with his strength and the way he attacked the ball.

And I think it's fair to say that there is a real possibility that he could start at the expense of Anton Ferdinand.

Da Silva seems more likely to have to wait for his chance, with Kieran Richardson looking set to deputise at left-back should George McCartney fail to recover from injury.

Another interesting selection headache for Bruce is who to play up front.

Darren Bent is obviously a definite given the form he is in at the moment, but the question is who should partner him up front.

Fraizer Campbell was preferred to Kenwyne Jones at Turf Moor last weekend, and the former Manchester United man got his first goal for the club in midweek.

However, Jones who started alongside Campbell against City, came off before the end of the game, which could have been to protect him for Sunday.

If Jones does get the nod, I hope we don't take that as our key to go down the aerial route.

When Jones came off the bench against the Clarets it seemed like our only option was to hoof the ball up the field.

Now I'm not suggesting that we are Brazil, but in my opinion our football has been far more effective when we have played it along the floor.

And, to be fair, while Jones can hold the ball up, he has other strengths, and seeing him and Bent running at the Wolves backline is likely to be far more productive.

That is, of course, if he gets the nod.