Sunderland host Plymouth Argyle this weekend in the Championship, and it could end up being a very one-sided fixture indeed.
Last time out, Sunderland registered a solid 1-0 win away at Derby County thanks to a goal from their new ‘golden boy’ Eliezer Mayenda.
With all four promotion-chasers winning in midweek, the Championship table still looks as tight as ever, and as we head into another round of fixtures, Sunderland will be eager to prove they deserve to be in that fight.
In search of another three points, Sunderland must protect their unbeaten home record and show their ruthless side against a struggling Plymouth team who have been given no hopes of a positive result this weekend.
Pundits predict Sunderland will get comfortable win over Plymouth Argyle
Looking ahead to the weekend’s action on the Championship Check-In podcast, both Benjamin Bloom and Sam Parkin backed Sunderland to get the job done in style and register a big win against a struggling Plymouth Argyle side.
Bloom said: “This is a 100% game here, where I bet 100% of the comments will go for a Sunderland win against Plymouth… It was uncomfortable and painful to watch Plymouth last night [against Burnley].
“Sunderland are the exact opposite; really efficient, really well coached, in a really good moment. I am going to go Sunderland 3-0 Plymouth.”
Parkin added praise for Sunderland’s win over Derby County in midweek, and admitted he can’t see anything but another home win at the weekend thanks to the players at Regis Bris’ disposal.
He added: “Good team to watch Sunderland, really enjoyed Tuesday [versus Derby]. They have variation in their game, where they can go longer if it’s not on to play short. They have lovely patterns of play. They have some lovely players; Enzo Le Fee added to Bellingham, Rigg who has shown flashes again.
“Lots to like about them. I will go 2-0 to Sunderland. Plymouth will put up a fight but will be outclassed.”
Sunderland have to match Burnley’s ruthlessness
Burnley are not known for their goalscoring prowess, but they produced a convincing demolition job over Plymouth on Wednesday night, and Sunderland have to do the same.
The likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor will surely be licking their lips looking at that shaky Plymouth defence, and their pace and intelligence, twinned with the creativity of Jobe, Rigg, and Le Fee behind them, there could be a slew of goals here.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 28 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 53 | 19 | 34 | 59 |
| 2 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 28 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 40 | 18 | 22 | 58 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 28 | 15 | 11 | 2 | 36 | 9 | 27 | 56 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 28 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 40 | 22 | 18 | 54 |
| 5 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 28 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 46 | 34 | 12 | 44 |
| 6 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 28 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 31 | 26 | 5 | 42 |
Not only do Sunderland need to keep up the pressure at the top in terms of points, but with how tight this title race is proving to be, goal difference could end up deciding who goes up and who sits in the play-off places come May.
The Black Cats would certainly rue not making the most opportunities if they were to fall behind on the basis of goals scored, as we know Le Bris’ men can be clinical when it matters most. Now, they need to prove it once more and show they deserve to be at the top just as much as Burnley do.