Will Grigg OUT? Phil Parkinson's big Sunderland dilemmas revealed

Will Grigg could drop out the Sunderland squad at Gillingham

Here, we examine three of the key dilemmas facing the Black Cats’ boss ahead of the trip to Priestfield:

WHO REPLACES MAX POWER IN THE MIDDLE?The midfielder will be forced to serve a one-game ban after being handed a fifth yellow card of the term in the defeat to Burton - and Parkinson will now have to decide who steps into the side in his place.

George Dobson is the obvious candidate as he returns from his own suspension, but could Dylan McGeouch return?

The Scot has been out of favour under Parkinson but could be welcomed back into the fold.

STICK OR TWIST IN THE FORWARD AREAS?Will Grigg has struggled for form, but Parkinson has persisted with the striker in his early weeks in the job.

That could change at Gillingham though, with Charlie Wyke and Marc McNulty potentially available after their respective injury lay-offs.

Parkinson will no doubt offer an update on the pair on Thursday but, should either return, then the Sunderland chief may be tempted to make changes.

IS A CHANGE IN SHAPE NEEDED?

Sunderland’s last trip to Priestfield saw Parkinson switch to a shape utilising three central defenders, which gave the side a defensive solidity they have lacked of late.

And with problems at the back continuing to plague the Black Cats, a similar switch in shape may not be out of the question as the side return to Kent.