David Prutton has made his prediction ahead of the Championship clash between Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former midfielder predicted an exciting 2-2 draw for the tie at Home Park Stadium.
Sunderland head south off the back off two wins and a draw, having managed to shake off their poor run of three consecutive defeats.
The Black Cats can move up to fifth place in the Championship with a win, while they could welcome back both Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard to steady up their backline.
Plymouth currently sit ten points behind Tony Mowbray‘s side, only five points above the relegation zone, after winning only one of their last eight games.
The visitors have lost only one of their last seven matches against the Pilgrims, though they have only taken a point from their last two meetings on the road.
Despite Sunderland’s upturn in form, Prutton expects the Wearside outfit to be held against Plymouth tomorrow afternoon.
“Plymouth have played some nice stuff this season but haven’t always turned performances into points. It is something they need to rectify if they want to climb the table,” Prutton said.
“This is a long, long trip for Sunderland. But one they hope will be fruitful after an excellent performance before the international break against Birmingham. Goals here! And a draw.”
Can Sunderland improve their away form?
Sunderland have endured a familiar bad record on home turf in previous seasons, however this time round it seems to be the other way around.
The Black Cats have played eight games both home and away and have won five at the Stadium of Light, while they have only managed three on their travels.
Tony Mowbray’s side haven’t won away since the trip to Sheffield Wednesday in September, while all of Plymouth’s wins this season have come in their own back garden. Though that is still only four out of their eight games played at Home Park.
Despite Sunderland’s struggles away from home, they have actually still conceded less goals than at the SoL. Perhaps if the potential return of Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard can firm up the defence, then we can hopefully see Nazariy Rusyn finally get off the mark and steer the club to three points.
We certainly need an upbeat performance anyhow, with a number of big games coming up during a very tough winter period.