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

Phil Parkinson has named his first Sunderland AFC team – and fans have been quick to react.

Published 19th Oct 2019, 14:06 BST- 1 min read

Updated 22nd Oct 2019, 10:06 BST

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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.

Phil Parkinson has named his Sunderland side to face Wycombe

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