'Embarrassing!': Sunderland fans fume as Phil Parkinson makes bold tactical call

Parkinson has made three changes from the side that drew with Blackpool, as Lynden Gooch, Jordan Willis and Grant Leadbitter come into the side.

The suspended George Dobson, Laurens De Bock and Chris Maguire all miss out – and fans had plenty to say on the team selection, including Parkinson’s decision to stick with five at the back.

Here’s what they said on social media:

@RamseySAFC said: “Expected team. 1-0 Sparky off the bench to score. HAWAY”

@deapchap_o added: “Get behind the gaffer, have confidence we get snatch a draw here!”

@lincolnSAFC posted: “Another loss”

@YesChargeUK commented: “Can’t see where a match winner is coming from? The best we can hope with that group of players is scraping a lucky win”

@lumsdon_clayton tweeted: “Why do we play 3 centre backs you don't need to and where's Lynch”

@SunderlandAFCI added: “Look at the state of that”

@scottftm said: “Five at the back and two holding midfielders get in”

@irobarmstrong posted: “ Not sure why I fancy us for a 2-1 win. We are embarrassing and that lineup ain't anything special”

@fawdonblackcat commented: “It’s hard to be optimistic when he names 5 at the back against the bottom of the table team at home”

Here’s the Sunderland side in full:

Sunderland XI: J McLaughlin; O’Nien, Willis, Flanagan, Ozturk, Hume; Power, Leadbitter; Watmore, Gooch, Wyke

Sunderland subs: Burge, Maguire, McNulty, C McLaughlin, Grigg, De Bock, Sammut