David Prutton has made his prediction ahead of Sunderland vs Norwich City this weekend.
Writing for Sky Sports, the former midfielder tipped the two teams to play out an ‘open’ game at the Stadium of Light.
While Sunderland don’t need to panic just yet, their home tie against Norwich is a must-win after three consecutive defeats.
The Black Cats put on a much improved performance in their 1-0 loss to Canaries midweek, but they are still lacking that cutting edge to compete with the Championship‘s best.
However, Norwich could provide the hosts with the opportunity to kickstart their striker’s season, with David Wagner’s side conceding the most goals in the second tier (24).
Though Leicester and Ipswich Town are the only team to score more, meaning Sunderland’s defence are going to have to be at their best.
Prutton has predicted a 2-1 win to the Black Cats though, saying: “Sunderland have endured a tricky couple of weeks, which is going to happen in this league at the best of times, but especially when you have got such a young side. They are also really missing a goal scorer. No one apart from Jack Clarke is really chipping in.
“Norwich are where you go for goals this season. Only the top two have scored more, and no one has conceded more. This should be an open game, but I will go for a narrow Black Cats win.”
Sunderland NEED to win this weekend
Sunderland are going through a tough patch, but this meeting with Norwich City is the perfect opportunity to turn things around.
The Canaries haven’t won in their last four games (D1 L3) and the likes of Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts should be chomping at the bit to take on their struggling defence.
It will be interesting to see who plays up front too, as they will be well aware of Norwich’s defensive frailties.
Anything less than three points will be a disappointment this weekend, and a win can kickstart a promising run, with very winnable games coming up.