Parkinson considers impact of three games in eight days ahead of Rochdale clash

Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2020 by PA

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson will consider the impact of three games in eight days as he prepares his team for Tuesday night’s League One fixture against Rochdale.

The Black Cats emerged from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich with no fresh concerns, but defender Joel Lynch is still missing with a rib injury sustained in a collision with his own goalkeeper, Jon McLaughlin, during the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth on February 1.

Tom Flanagan is expected to retain his place in the team after an impressive display against Ipswich but Parkinson could shuffle his pack with one eye on Saturday’s trip to Oxford, with his side having played themselves into the race for automatic promotion with a run of 11 games which has brought just a single defeat.

January signings Josh Scowen, Declan John and Antoine Semenyo, all of whom are yet to start a game for the club, are among those who could come into contention.

Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy’s injury concerns have started to ease as he attempts to drag the club up the table.

Keeper Robert Sanchez has started the last two games after recovering from a groin injury, while midfielder Callum Camps is close to returning from a similar problem.

Matty Lund made his second debut for the club in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Doncaster following his return to the Crown Oil Area from Scunthorpe, playing 71 minutes before being replaced by striker Aaron Wilbraham.

Dale, who lost the reverse fixture 2-1 in August, have won only three of their last 10 league games and sit in 18th place.