A last-gasp equaliser at home to Fleetwood Town followed by defeat at Coventry City will have Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson considering changes. An impressive run since Christmas brought the Black Cats back into automatic promotion contention. However, the past two results may give Parkinson the impression that he needs to freshen up a side that has almost picked itself this year.
Sunderland Boss Phil Parkinson Will be Considering Changes
The Case for Will Grigg
Will Grigg has had a frustratingly disappointing time on Wearside. The prolific Northern Ireland international has struggled for form and goals since arriving in January 2019. It has been this lack of form and goals that have seen Grigg fall down the pecking order. However, he may be forcing his way back into Phil Parkinson’s plans.
Phil Parkinson appears to prefer a target man as his main striker. Charlie Wyke has been first choice for much of Parkinson’s reign. Kyle Lafferty, signed in January is also pushing for a start after being used as a substitute since his arrival.
Will Grigg is not a target man but he is the club’s most natural goalscorer. The Black Cats have been collecting points on a regular basis; however, the goals have not been coming from the main striker on a regular occurrence. When Grigg was last the number one striker, Sunderland played a different formation which would often lead to Grigg being isolated.
With Parkinson’s new formation more attack-minded with the likes of Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch supporting the striker at every opportunity and more crosses into the box coming from the wingbacks, Grigg could benefit.
Phil Parkinson has recently said that he is happy with Grigg’s attitude, training and performances in training games. Grigg was also back in the squad last week; however, he was an unused substitute. Even after his inclusion on the bench for the last game, it still appears that Grigg has a long road ahead of him before he is back in the starting 11.
Charlie Wyke Has His Say
With much speculation surrounding team selection, striker Charlie Wyke has had his say. The striker has found goals hard to come by; however, his work rate, team play and overall performances have impressed.
“I think I’ve been playing well. I think I’ve been a big part of the team and we have been playing well and getting results so I don’t think you can complain.
“As a striker I want to add more goals. I know it’s frustrating at times, but the main thing this year is to get out of the league and get promoted. As long as we’re winning, who cares who scores?”
Declan John Pushing For a Game
Welsh international Declan John, signed on loan from Swansea City, is another pushing for a starting place. Brought in as competition for regular left-back/left wingback Denver Hume, John has been unlucky not to feature as yet.
Phil Parkinson has opted to name defensive substitutes who can fill several positions in case of injury. However, with Hume being the only recognised left wing-back at the club prior to John’s arrival, the 21-year-old has played a lot of football this season. For the majority of the season, Hume’s form has been consistently good; however, it has dropped of late.
Young Forward Impressing in Training
Antoine Semenyo, the young forward signed from Bristol City on loan is another who is in Parkinson’s thinking. The 20-year-old has impressed when coming on as a substitute and in training making Phil Parkinson delighted with his loan signing:
“What I like about Ant is that he has picked up the things we have worked with him on out there on the training pitch. He’s picked up what he needs to do to play in that system.
“We do our homework on people’s character, football intelligence, etc, but you never quite know until you work with them day-to-day. And Ant has been great to work with, he is making the runs we want him to make and getting into the areas where he can be dangerous.”
Parkinson Will be Tempted But Unlikely to Make Changes For The Sake of it
Since Christmas, the Sunderland boss has rarely changed his team selection. Only new signing Bailey Wright came straight into the team. His settled team, only tinkered with if injuries have dictated, has climbed the table and are in the hunt for promotion.
The last two games proved difficult for Parkinson and his team. An added-on time equaliser against Fleetwood was followed by a single goal defeat at Coventry City. At 2 pm on Saturday when the teams are announced, fans will be more interested than usual to see what Parkinson has decided.
The manager may make one or two changes but any fan wanting several changes should be disappointed. The Black Cats form this year has been good, especially at home. Therefore, a ‘stick with what works’ is likely to be Parkinson’s choice.
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