da supremo： Sunderland are enduring a miserable run of form and some supporters probably wish that Phil Parkinson could make 11 changes to the side which lost at home to Burton.
da brdice： Several players are underperforming at the moment and it seems that whichever side takes to the field, and in whatever formation, the performance and end result is the same.
There is a distinct lack of cutting edge but also a clear lack of creativity, which is why their performance dipped after falling behind against the Brewers – a fact Parkinson alluded to himself.
That is a big worry, particularly as there aren’t many who can be drafted in to try and fix the issue, and that means the buck may ultimately stop at the manager, with fans already fed up with him 11 games into his tenure.
Sunderland dominated possession against Burton once again with a 59% share of the ball, and therefore if they can add a little creativity or more directness to their play they should be able to improve on the goal front.
That is their biggest issue, with 13 goals scored in 11 games under Parkinson. With that in mind, here is how they should line-up in order to get the better of Gillingham.
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The Gills will be well aware of Sunderland’s approach having played them twice in the FA Cup over the last month, edging a 1-0 win in the replay at Priestfield a few weeks ago.
Despite defeat, the Black Cats seemed to contain their threat well, and but for a slightly fortunate equaliser from Olly Lee they would have progressed in the initial meeting at the Stadium of Light.
That was a rare game in which Aiden McGeady seemed to have the opposition’s number, so Parkinson will hold out hope that he can replicate that display and hand his team a win in the process.
However, for that to happen others will need to perform, and starting Benji Kimpioka for the first time in the league could be an inspired decision in that regard.
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He scored the equaliser against Coventry and has the pace to be a nightmare for full-backs, and with a point to prove he should have the drive and desire to lift the Black Cats, which is what they need in the midst of this poor run of results.
Chris Maguire has disappointed at times this season but his absence was notable on Tuesday, and without Jon McLaughlin between the posts Sunderland lack a little leadership along the backline, and therefore his inclusion could lead to an upturn in performance.
Parkinson currently has to pick from those available to him, which is why it is vital he is given ample opportunity to bring in his own players in January.