These are the changes our writers would make to the Sunderland XI for crunch Gillingham trip

A commanding performance is required, and the memory of some bitterly disappointing trips to Kent last season will be fresh in the memory.

Phil Parkinson has called for a front-foot display, saying: “It's a completely different challenge to Rochdale, a completely different style of play.

"Rochdale look to play out from the back where they can, whereas Gillingham are different.

"They had a good start to the season and some indifferent results of late, and of course they will make it as uncomfortable as they can for us.

“We've got to be ready to deal with that, but also to be ready to play.

“It's about striking that balance between being physical enough to deal with the long throws and set plays, but making sure we've got the calmness to get the ball down and play.

"It can be relentless but we've got to be relentless ourselves in the way we go about our business."

All over the pitch, the disappointment of the last two games means there are big calls for Parkinson to make. So who should play and who should drop out? Here, our writers deliver their verdicts...

PHIL SMITH

The last two performances mean that it is probably time to go back to basics, at least in terms of the defensive unit.

It’s surely time to go back to that settled unit which produced some good performances in the early part of the season, and in that I’m including Grant Leadbitter as the holding midfielder.

Clearly, there are big doubts over the fitness of Jordan Willis but Dion Sanderson’s composed debut at the Crown Oil Arena proved that he can deputise well if needed.

It’s further forward that the bigger questions are to be asked.

Do you stick with the 3-4-3 or look to get another centre-forward in? It’s tempting to try and get Aiden O’Brien into the side. He’s not found that finishing touch yet but he brings a presence and stretches the play in a way that few other players in the squad can.

The key for me, though, is keeping Lynden Gooch in that advanced area where he can really hurt teams. It’s for that reason I’m sticking with the shape we saw at Rochdale, with just one or two adjustments in personnel.

One call I’m really interested to see where Parkinson goes is on Chris Maguire.

He’s an integral part of this side and his superb tally of playing key passes underlines it. His levels dipped in the last two games, though, and I wonder if Parkinson will be tempted to shake things up a little.

Sunderland XI: Burge; Sanderson, Wright, Flanagan; O’Nien, Leadbitter, Scowen, Hume; Maguire, Gooch, Wyke

RICHARD MENNEAR

The biggest concern to come out of Phil Parkinson's press conference was the ongoing issue with Jordan Willis' knee.

He is yet to be ruled out of the trip to Gillingham but clearly it's an issue that needs to be carefully managed and the picture could be clearer this weekend over the next steps.

The last thing Sunderland need is him out for a spell, however.

Provided he is fit to start then Parkinson will also be hoping Dion Sanderson's whack to the knee has settled down, those two coupled with Bailey Wright form a formidable back three.

The other option of course is Tom Flanagan.

I'd play Luke O'Nien at right wing-back and move Lynden Gooch further up the pitch, he is always capable of a piece of magic.

I'd revert to the 3-4-3 with Chris Maguire and Gooch off Wyke, with Grant Leadbitter restored to the side, Sunderland need some control in the centre.

It's a game Sunderland need a win from really given the disappointment of this week but another point on the road wouldn't be the worst result in the world. Patience is, however, thin.

Sunderland XI: Burge, O'Nien, Willis, Wright, Sanderson, Hume, Leadbitter, Power, Gooch, Maguire, Wyke

MARK DONNELLY

Gillingham wasn't a particularly happy hunting ground for Sunderland last season, but three points in Kent will help lift the pressure on Sunderland after two frustrating results in the last week.

So after those two results, will Parkinson change things up slightly?

His biggest worry will come on the right-hand side of the back three, where both Dion Sanderson and Jordan Willis are doubtful.

Sanderson could well be fit but, with Willis' knee problem a concern, it may be wise to rest the Wolves loanee with the long-term in mind - particularly given that Conor McLaughlin could deputise in that role, with Luke O'Nien set to return on the right flank.

In midfield, Grant Leadbitter could well return with his calmness and composure a miss in what was at times a scrappy affair at Spotland on Tuesday evening.

Further forward, Lynden Gooch's performance in midweek has likely solidified his place in the team, but what of Chris Maguire? He's been quiet in the last couple of games and Parkinson may want to try something different in the forward areas.

I'd be keen to see Aiden O'Brien handed an opportunity to impress, with him and the in-form Charlie Wyke starting as a front two, with Gooch just behind them in a return to the system we've seen for much of the season.

That could give Sunderland the attacking impetus they need to secure a positive result.

Sunderland XI: Burge; McLaughlin, Wright, Flanagan; O'Nien, Power, Leadbitter, Hume, Gooch; Wyke, O'Brien

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