'Wasn't expecting that!': Sunderland fans react to Phil Parkinson's surprise team selection

The Black Cats travel to in-form Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon in Parkinson’s first game in charge, after the former Bolton and Charlton boss was handed the job on Thursday.

And the 51-year-old has named a surprising line-up – with first-team regular Jon McLaughlin among a host of players dropped to the bench.

Duncan Watmore is handed a start after returning from injury while Denver Hume is also brought back into the fold.

Here’s what fans have been saying about the side on social media:

@Baghdadcocacola said: “Glad Burge is starting, deserves it. Ha’way the lads!”

@braddfearnleyy added: “4-3-3 hopefully o’nien getting further forward not bad.”

@nicholaswilso11 posted: “Was not expecting watmore to start.... however lee burge time to shine”

@KinkyAfro73 commented: “Gooch needed dropped .. never looks fit . Hopefully parky can get that extra 20% from him.”

@mark_j_cummins argued: “How has Maguire not got in again unless injured”

@chrisdlaws tweeted: “Decent team. Maybe McNulty in for Wkye.”

@RamseySAFC said: “I have a feeling, that unless we comfortable win, he might completely change the team on Tuesday so he gets to see everyone play”

@erichyunn0775 added: “That wasn’t expected”

And here’s the team news in full:

Sunderland AFC XI: Burge, C McLaughlin, Willis, Lynch, Hume, Power, Leadbitter, O’Nien, McGeady, Watmore, Wyke

Sunderland AFC subs: J McLaughlin, Flanagan, Dobson, Maguire, Grigg, McNulty, Gooch