'Oh no', 'God... why?' - Sunderland fans react as Lee Johnson makes two changes vs Gillingham

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Black Cats beat ten-man Ipswich Town in midweek to keep themselves within touching distance of the play-off places, and could move as high as fourth in the League One table, depending on results today.

Bailey Wright had to be taken off at Portman Road, and Tom Flanagan steps into the heart of defence to take his place against the Gills.

Elsewhere, Jack Diamond returns to the starting XI, with Carl Winchester dropping to the bench.

Southampton loanee Jake Vokins also makes the bench, but fellow new boy Jordan Jones is not in the match day squad.

Here are some of the best reactions from fans on Twitter:

@RyanC2408 tweeted: “Flanagan, oh no”.

@WVintageColours tweeted: “We need to win this or straight away people will ask questions about the starting lineup. Notes to Sunderland - you play your best team, always and what’s the point of signing Vokins and putting him on the bench? Flanagan needs to play well or questions will be asked.”

@BenCra1g tweeted: “Flanagan has got to be 100% on top of his game if he’s going to topple Sanderson’s starting place”.

@phil_browell tweeted: “Not sure about Flanagan starting. Apart from Sanderson being a better player, Flanagan hasn’t played for 6 weeks so can’t be match fit.”

@LauraMaggiore10 tweeted: Flanagan? God... why?!”

@DanesIrishSAFC tweeted: “All big games now… lets do this and get a run strung together!!”

@jamie_mackem13 tweeted: “Sanderson over Flanagan for me, like”.