This is Phil Parkinson's favourite Sunderland AFC team

This is Phil Parkinson's favourite Sunderland AFC team - according to the data experts

Phil Parkinson seems to have settled on his strongest Sunderland line-up – but what does the data say about his favourite squad to select?

By Mark Donnelly

Published 13th Feb 2020, 12:00 BST

With injuries, incomings and outgoings having affected Parkinson’s squad selection over the course of his tenure, we’ve consulted the data to see which players have played the most minutes under the current Sunderland boss.

And here’s the team those statistics – courtesy of data experts WyScout s.P.a – suggest is Parkinson’s favourite to field since taking over:

1. GK: Jon McLaughlin

Minutes played under Phil Parkinson at Sunderland: 1602 Photo: FRANK REID

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2. CB: Jordan Willis

Minutes played under Phil Parkinson at Sunderland: 1942 Photo: Frank Reid

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3. CB: Joel Lynch

Minutes played under Phil Parkinson at Sunderland: 1319 Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187

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4. CB: Alim Ozturk

Minutes played under Phil Parkinson at Sunderland: 906 Photo: Frank Reid

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