'Worst starting XI in our history!': Sunderland fans fume as Phil Parkinson rings the changes at Gillingham

The Black Cats have made now fewer than SIX changes, with Jon McLaughlin, Alim Ozturk, Tom Flanagan, George Dobson, Laurens De Bock and Marc McNulty all coming into the side.

Parkinson looks set to deploy a back three, as he did in the FA Cup against the opposition.

And fans have been quick to react to the news on social media – here’s what they were saying:

@johnml88 said: “This line up proves Parkinson hasn't a clue”

@EddieSAFCx added: “What on earth is that. 3 ATB doesn’t work. Especially when your wing back is de bock and McLaughlin. Bench is stronger than the starting 11”

@HuntaThePunter commented: “I don’t think I’m being sensationalistic when I say that’s the worst starting XI in our history.”

@_danielcrisp posted: “5 at the back this better work”

@airey87 argued: “I'm pretty chuffed with this alot have underperformed and alot deserve another chance,”

@DevanLonsdale tweeted: “If we win with this team i will be very impressed”

@MJacko1989 added: “Reminds me of when Grayson was mixing the team and formation every week when he was desperate to get a result!”

Here’s the full team news from Priestfield:

Sunderland AFC XI: J McLaughlin, C McLaughlin, Ozturk, Willis, Flanagan, De Bock, Dobson, Leadbitter, O’Nien, McNulty, Grigg

Sunderland AFC subs: Burge, Hume, Lynch, McGeady, Maguire, Watmore, Wyke