Journalist Alan Nixon has given his score prediction ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Cardiff City.
Sunderland are only really playing for pride at this stage of the season, but will be desperate to pick up some points after enduring seven matches without a win.
The Black Cats have just eight games left to earn themselves a respectable finishing place in the Championship table, having fallen down five places since Michael Beale arrived in December.
Cardiff have very little to play for too, but will be looking to bounce back from their derby day defeat to Swansea City on home soil.
Sunderland have fallen to defeat in four of their last five meetings with the Bluebirds, but will be hoping that the international break can be a turning point for them as they head into the final stretch of the campaign.
Mike Dodds will also welcome the likes of Corry Evans, Bradley Dack and Aji Alese back to the team, giving them a real boost after a much-needed rest.
Cardiff to do the double over the Black Cats
Journalist Alan Nixon doesn’t think that is going to be enough to solve Sunderland’s problems though.
He wrote on X: “Sunderland drifting a bit. Cardiff to win 1-0.”
It would be the Black Cats’ seventh defeat in eight games, their fifth consecutive loss away from home and their 13th league game of the season without a goal.
Can this be a turning point for Sunderland?
Sunderland’s away form has been absolutely abysmal for most of the campaign, winning only one game on the road since September, while Cardiff have won their last three home matches on the bounce.
The Welsh outfit did go the previous six games without a win, so it’s not an impossible task for the visitors tomorrow afternoon.
Mike Dodds’ side have nothing to play for, but fans will be desperate for a positive end to the campaign before they are to gear up for the next one. Surely finishing in the top half of the table is a lot more attractive to prospective new managers too.
The Black Cats need to play like they mean it tomorrow, and I have a good feeling that the return of Corry Evans could be key to us now.
Perhaps the trip to Glasgow could come too soon, but the Northern Ireland international could make a real difference if he can pick up some starts in the coming weeks. He is that bit of leadership and experience we have been desperate for.