'Hopefully letting him recover for Portsmouth': Sunderland fans react as Phil Parkinson makes one change to face Crewe

Defender Jordan Willis was forced off with an injury during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Swindon, though the setback isn’t thought to be a long-term issue.

Denver Hume has taken the centre-back’s place after overcoming a knee injury and will start at left wing-back, with Conor McLaughlin switching to centre-back and Lynden Gooch moving to right wing-back.

Supporters have also pointed out the absence of new signing Dion Sanderson from the matchday squad, following the defender’s loan arrival from Wolves on transfer deadline day.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the team news on social media:

@xjademelville: Hopefully that’s them letting Willis recover for Portsmouth

@Philip_RJ89: I’d have switched Dobson for Leadbitter, to keep Leadbitter 100% fresh for the crucial Portsmouth game, and I’m still surprised at Dan Neil’s ongoing absence from the first team. Other than that, a strong team and bench, and my 2-0 prediction still stands!

@davis0688: Gooch right wing back and Hume left wing back. Flanagan bench even though we were told he was defo out. No Sanderson at all? Strange

@Camer0nJohnson: Dion Sanderson to become Declan John 2.0

@adamguest: Surely that should be Sanderson not Flanagan? Thought he’d done his ankle badly

@AdrianMagson: Expected. Disappointed not to see Neil, especially with him not featuring for Under 23s. But if we win again, we can’t complain.

@BotDaveCS: 3 strikers on the bench again yessss

@RealAlphaZero: What a bench

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor