There are senior players in need of some gametime, which they will likely get against Mansfield Town.
With Sunderland already through in the Papa John’s Trophy, it’s likely that the trip to Fleetwood on Tuesday is when we will then see a host of exciting youngsters given a chance to shine.
Here’s who is line for a big chance to impress..
5. WILL GRIGG
Some encouraging pre-season performances left supporters hopeful of a revival this season, but ten league games in, Grigg has played the fewest minutes of the four senior strikers in Parkinson's squad. Grigg has never seemed a natural fit for Parkinson's style, but the feeling remains that the lack of efficiency in front of goal from Sunderland means he will be needed if promotion is to be secured. The service is key and hasn't been riht all too often. One of the key things to watch in this game is whether Parkinson's young attacking midfielders can bring this now enigmatic player into the picture. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
6. DANNY GRAHAM
Graham scored within minutes of his Sunderland return in the club's first EFL Trophy game against Aston Villa, but he is the player to have missed out the most due to Charlie Wyke's strong form. Wyke will almost certainly be rested at some stage over the next two games and that will likely give Graham, who has mostly had to settle for brief cameos from the bench, an opportunity. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
7. JACK DIAMOND
Luke O'Nien's return to the wing-back role has pushed Diamond down the pecking order a little, but the youngster remains well placed. While there is frustration he has not featured more, that cameo fromt he bench against Swindon is going to be crucial in the long run. There has never been any doubting his talent, pace and ability to drive past a player. What Parkinson has occasionally alluded to is a need for a touch more composure and decision making. Remember, too, that the wing-back role is a new one for him. So to perform with such discipline in makeshift backline and a big league game, as he did at Swindon, was superb. That will land him more gametime this week and more lively displays will make be hard to ignore when the squad as a whole is lacking a little in the dynamism he possesses. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
8. ELLIOT EMBLETON
It is not yet exactly clear whether Embleton will make his senior return this week. Parkinson has repeatedly urged caution with the 21-year-old, who has barely played senior football for over a year. A return is close, though, and Embleton more than anyone is the yougnster who Parkinson has been happiest to talk up. He will bring something different in the final third and fans will be eager to see that sooner rather than later. Photo: FRANK REID