Parky set to face some big selection calls

Phil Parkinson is weighing up a number of key selection calls ahead of Ipswich Town’s crucial visit to the Stadium of Light today.

So what are they and who will play? We run through the key dilemmas. Park in son’ s biggest call of the weekend comes at centre-back, where he will be forced into are shuffle due to an injury to Joel Lynch.

Sunderland were immensely relieved this week after tests showed that the 32-year-old had not suffered any serious injuries after the collision with Jon McLaughlin at Fratton Park. It leaves Parkinson with a big decision to make, as both Tom Flanagan and Alim Ozturk were an important part of the side that went on a nine-gamenear the turn of the year.

After dropping Ozturk for Bailey Wright at Tranmere Rovers last week, Parkinson admitted it had been a ‘very, very tough call’.

When asked about that dynamic on Thursday, Parkinson explained why Flanagan was the obvious replacement to step into the left-sided role, particularly on home turf.

“What Tom has been very good at is stepping in with the ball for us,” he said.

Max Power has been an integral part of Phil Parkinson’s side in recent weeks, regularly wearing the captain’s armband. That doesn’t look like changing anytime soon but the other central midfield role is likely to be shared this week.

George Dobs on is one from a two-match ban and his form has just dipped of late. The youngster has done superbly to establish himself as a regular under Parkinson but after finally getting a week on the training ground, Josh Scowen is pushing for a start.

Ethan Robson will also be pushing for inclusion in the matchday squads over the coming weeks, particularly if Dobson is suspended at some stage. Antoine Se men yo will also be pushing for inclusion, but Parkinson has suggested that both he and fellow loanee Declan John are a bit short of the match fitness.

Parkinson is set to make a late decision on Charlie Wyke, with the striker a doubt due to a shoulder problem. Wyke was replaced by Kyle Lafferty, and getting those 45 minutes under his belt will leave him in pole position to start should Wyke not make it. The injury to Wyke could also mean a return to the squad for Will Grigg.