Sunderland are expected to ring the changes as they prepare to take on Doncaster Rovers this weekend.

The Black Cats are desperate to get themselves back to winning ways after a disappointing sequence of results has seen them drop out of the top six in League One.

Three defeats in their last three games in all competitions have left supporters feeling a little bit nervy after dropping to seventh spot in the third tier - a position that the club will be looking to improve on.

After last weekend's defeat to MK Dons, it seems that changes could be afoot.

The Northern Echo have reported that Conor McLaughlin and Tom Flanagan are expected to come straight back into the starting XI.

The duo have been away on international duty with Northern Ireland but are back in contention for the weekend's clash with the Yorkshire side.

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With Jordan Willis and Luke O'Nien deputising in central defence against the Dons last week, it's expected that the pair will come straight back into the side.

The report also claims that changes could be made in midfield, while Will Grigg could be dropped in attack after missing two excellent opportunities at the Stadium Of Light last weekend.

The Verdict

Sunderland certainly need to freshen things up against Doncaster Rovers.

Confidence is pretty low among supporters at the moment and they're in desperate need of a positive result this weekend to get things back on track.

A defeat would be seen as disastrous, and so the heat is on Phil Parkinson to get things right this term.