EIGHT CHANGES! Will Phil Parkinson ring the changes for Sunderland’s starting XI at Oxford?

GK: Jon McLaughlin

The Scotland international makes a quick return to the starting eleven this Tuesday with Lee Burge ruled out through injury.

It’s been a difficult season for Jon McLaughlin, with the number one failing to maintain the high standards that he set last year, before subsequently being dropped a fortnight ago.

With his replacement ruled out for at least the next fortnight, McLaughlin has a chance to retain his position as the Black Cat’s number one choice with a good performance in tonight’s League Cup tie.

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RB: C. McLaughlin CB: Flanagan CB: Ozturk LB: De Bock

A new back four is likely tonight as Phil Parkinson looks to rest a defence that has played three games in seven days.

Conor McLaughlin won’t have enjoyed his start to his Sunderland career, but should be given the nod at full-back this evening after performing fairly well in the competition.

With Denver Hume is likely to be rested, Belgian left back Laurens De Bock should come in for his first start under the new boss.

Jordan Willis has been an almost ever present for the Lads this term, so will probably be given a breather at the Kassam Stadium, with Tom Flanagan likely to return to the starting eleven as captain. Alim Ozturk is likely to partner him in a new-look defence.

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CM: McGeouch CM: Dobson

Dylan McGeouch has once again dropped out of the first team picture at Sunderland, but much like previous rounds at Burnley and Sheffield United, he is likely to be given an opportunity to stake his claim in the League Cup.

His partner in the centre should be George Dobson who, despite starting the last two games, has struggled to solidify a place in the side following his £200k move from Walsall in the summer.

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RM: Kimpioka CAM: O’Nien LM: McGeady

With Lynden Gooch out injured and Duncan Watmore in need of a breather, we’re likely to see a Benji Kimpioka start his first game in almost a year this evening.

Swedish under-21 international Kimpioka seems to have impressed 51-year-old Parkinson and has appeared off the bench in our last two games.

Parkinson will hope, much like Duncan Watmore, he can bring much needed pace and directness to his side.

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ST: Marc McNulty

Will Grigg has hit two goals in his last four games but is likely to be given the night off, which gives Marc McNulty an opportunity in the lone striker’s role.

McNulty has impressed fans since his summer move, but has been hindered by fitness issues meaning the likes of Grigg and Charlie Wyke have edged ahead of him in the pecking order.

McNulty will be keen to show Parkinson just why Jack Ross brought him to the club in the summer and should be fired up to prove that he can be the main man for the new manager.

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