'Nice to see them back': Sunderland fans react as three first-team players return for Accrington Stanley clash

Lee Johnson has made three changes to his starting XI for today’s game at Accrington Stanley – and fans have been quick to react on social media.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Thorben Hoffmann, Leon Dajaku and Bailey Wright have all returned to the starting XI, with Anthony Patterson and Jack Diamond dropping to the bench.

Carl Winchester is unavailable after he was sent off against Lincoln on Tuesday night, resulting in a one-game suspension.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the team news:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

@_wisemensay: If we get bullied today in midfield there's nothing we can do about it. Desperately need to sign a midfielder

@Philip_RJ89: The cavalry has arrived, and thank God for that. Wright should keep things calm at the back, and hopefully Dajaku can add some spark as well. Great to see Hoffmann back in goal as well!

@SAFCTC: Feeling a lot more confident now. Ha'way the lads

@lewygsafc: Nice to see three lads back! Also, back to a 3-4-3 by the looks of it!

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson.

@ChrisPhil1992: Decent side! Get into them from the off lads!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

@RossHALL1982: Need big performances from Neil and Embo in midfield imo. Not an ideal combination but needs must atm.

@sniff91: Need a big physical midfielder in, yesterday.

@LiamShepard7: I would've preferred Xhemajli over Flanagan and also I would've liked to have seen Trai Hume get a start but overall a good team otherwise. I'm still sad that Johnson never gave Alves a game which caused him to be recalled back to West Ham United.

@EthanSmith1717: A very good lineup haway the lads

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year .

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor