'What does Scowen actually need to do?’ Sunderland fans fume as Phil Parkinson names team to face Oxford United

Sunderland are without the suspended George Dobson for the trip to Oxford, the central midfielder saw red late on in the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers and will now serve a three-game ban.

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Parkinson has opted to hand Leadbitter a start instead of Josh Scowen, with Sunderland fans not happy. Will Grigg has been dropped with Danny Graham starting instead.

Here’s the pick of the social media reaction with fans not happy with the selection.

Matty Oliver tweeted: “What does scowen actually need to do?’

Brad added: "What makes it even more painful when watching Grant Leadbitter is the fact we’ve got a championship quality midfielder sat on the bench..”

Stephen Kennedy tweeted: “Josh Scowen scores and gots two assists from corners one week, is dropped for Dobson who is then sent off...Scowen continues to not be picked during suspension. #safc”

Parker tweeted: “We need an early goal today to have any hope #safc”

Simpson added: “Still no young'ns on the bench or Scowen in the starting XI? After all the hype pre-season and allowing players to leave to give way for the youngsters, he still chooses to leave them out. My patience will wear thin with PP if this continues.”

David Place tweeted: “Absolutely no imagination from Parkinson. Today is a must win.”

John Harrison added: “That starting 11 looks brutal #safc”

F I O N A tweeted: “Well. This is err...interesting. Struggling to defend these decisions like #safc”

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