The League One rule change which could benefit Sunderland in their promotion push

Starting from the Black Cats’ trip to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, Phil Parkinson will be able to make two additional substitutes per match.

Sunderland will still only be able to name seven players on the bench, bit will have the opportunity to field five reinforcements throughout the game.

This could well prove an advantage for the Wearsiders, given the squad depth they possess when compared to some of their third tier rivals.

The rule change was confirmed today after Championship clubs had called for the increase – which will last until the end of the current campaign.

An EFL statement confirming the rule change reads: "Following consultation with Clubs, the EFL Board has agreed to increase the permitted number of substitutes to five in all Sky Bet EFL fixtures taking place from 12 noon on Friday 20 November for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

“Regulation 33.4 has been amended to permit:

“Championship Clubs to name up to nine substitutes in their matchday squad, with five permitted to take to the pitch in any fixture.

“League One and League Two Clubs can name up to seven substitutes in their match day squad, again with five permitted to take to the pitch.”

Some Premier League clubs are keen to see a similar change arrive in the top flight, but there is resistance from some of the smaller clubs in the division.

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