'That's dire!': Sunderland fans question Phil Parkinson's big decisions against Ipswich Town

The Black Cats have made just one change, and it’s an enforced one as Tom Flanagan replaces the injured Joel Lynch.

There’s a boost for Sunderland in the forward areas though, as Charlie Wyke is passed fit to start. That means that once again, Will Grigg is absent from the squad.

Declan John is also out the squad, and supporters had plenty to say about the big decisions made by Parkinson across the field - which included the absence of John and fellow January signing Josh Scowen.

Here’s what fans were saying about the team news on social media:

@CheekyBetsFTW said: “Bad team, drop Dobson”

@nicholaswilso11 added: “Free ozturk”

@SarahPatta_ commented: “How is Dobson starting?”

@lumsdon_clayton tweeted: “Why is he making no changes”

@e_Sunderland posted: “PP mate that’s dire!”

@KyleSeymourFTM_ added: “Where’s Declan’s John”

@dannyveng said: “Let’s bring in new players and not play them despite being better than what we have on the pitch”

@JRGreen99 posted: “Feel for Will Grigg now. Surely he’s an option!?!”

@Lbarks72 commented: “What’s the point in signing Scowen if your not going to play him - Dobson again”

@JacobKirkbride tweeted: “Same formation they will tactically figure us out today if this don’t pay off I’ll be livid with parky”

Here’s the Sunderland team in full: J McLaughlin, Willis, Power, Maguire, Wyke, Gooch, Flanagan, O’Nien, Dobson, Wright, Hume

Sunderland AFC subs: Burge, McLaughlin, Ozturk, Lafferty, Watmore, Scowen, Semenyo