'Great to see Maja and Wyke start together' - How Sunderland fans reacted to strong Checkatrade Trophy team

Fans have been quick to have their say on the Sunderland team news ahead of tonight's 7.45pm KO, SAFC team: Ruiter, Hume, James, Ozturk, Flanagan, McGeouch, O'Nien, Robson, Maguire, Maja, Wyke

Johnny Jenko tweeted: "I’m off to the match, but this trophy is a joke! #safc"

Jack Waldron tweeted: "Off to the match. #HawayTheLads #Safc #EveryGameMatters"

Josh Bunting posted: "Maja and Wyke starting together!! #safc"

John added: "Yep, strict rules say we can’t play too much of a weakened squad. Our under 19s would beat Stokes under 21’s. Sunderland an all in bet tonight"

Shane posted: "Sinclair!"

Roker Report: "Strong side. Sinclair on the bench!"

Alf Bibby said: "Good to see sinclair on the subs bench," while Damian Wardle added: "I'm interested what wyke can provide for 90 mins."

The ban doesn't officially start until the visit of Fleetwood Town but the club have been advised he won't be able to play against Stoke City Under-21s tonight in the Checkatrade Trophy either because the FA doesn't classify the competition as a first team competition.

Fans had their say earlier:

@RWMDAWSON: These things happen, that's why we have a squad. Trust the team #HawayTheLads

@Fantanafest73: @FA need to look at this again. Straight red card = 3 match ban, thus @mp_1825 can't play in #CheckatradeTrophy..... So 3 match ban - 1 checkatrade trophy game = 2 more league matches to sit out NOT 3. It's simple maths. 3 match ban is a 3 match ban. Not 4!?!?

@PeilAyr: @FA How can a three game ban for an offence in a league match include a cup tie as well to effectively make it a 4 game ban?

@JackGill32: Can't believe Max Power has got one of them new 4 games 3 game ban. #SAFC

@Glenlucewho: Not surprised it was upheld, but how is he banned for tonight and 3 league games? How does that work? Is there an official explanation from the FA