Sunderland handed fresh fitness concern ahead of play-offs as defender misses Lincoln City clash

The Northern Irish international is absent from the squad at Sincil Bank after a recent hernia operation – with head coach Lee Johnson having said this week that he had ‘one or two’ fitness doubts ahead of the game.

But the Black Cats are bolstered by the return of Tom Flanagan, who makes his first senior appearance since the Papa John’s Trophy Final.

Flanagan’s return is one of just two changes made by Johnson, with Aiden McGeady coming back into the side in place of Jack Diamond.

Sunderland are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lynden Gooch playing just behind Charlie Wyke.

Luke O’Nien is expected to play at right-back with Max Power remaining in midfield.

Hosts Lincoln, meanwhile, welcome back defender Adam Jackson to their starting line-up – while emergency loan signing Josef Bursik starts in goal.

The Imps will be roared on by over 3,000 fans this evening as supporters return to the LNER Stadium.

Sunderland AFC XI: Burge, Flanagan, Wright, Power, Wyke, Gooch, O’Nien, Scowen, Jones, McGeady, Hume

Sunderland AFC subs: Matthews, Maguire, Diamond, Leadbitter, McFadzean, Winchester, Stewart

Lincoln City XI: Bursik, Poole, Jackson, Eyoma, Edun, Bridcutt, Grant, Johnson, Rodgers, Scully, Hopper

Lincoln City subs: Long, Montsma, Sanders, Bramall, McGrandles, Morton Anderson

You can follow every kick of today’s game in our live blog – with match updates, analysis and insight from the big match.

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