Sunderland’s match against Stoke City on Sunday afternoon has a bit of a twist to it, with the Potters having sacked Narcis Pelach in the build up to the game.
Stoke City’s defeat at home to Leeds United in midweek proved to be the final blow for manager Narcis Pelach, who’s been relieved of his duties at the bet365 Stadium after just 19 games.
Now, Stoke City fans are calling for Tony Mowbray to be appointed, as the former Sunderland boss searches for a return to the dugout after his battle with illness in 2024.
Meanwhile, Regis Le Bris and his Black Cats side are looking to keep the heat on those above them in the Championship table.
After Sunderland’s Boxing Day draw against Blackburn Rovers, the Black Cats remain in 4th place of the table, with leaders Leeds United currently four points ahead of them.
EFL expert shares Stoke City vs Sunderland score prediction
Speaking on the Championship Check In podcast ahead of the weekend, EFL expert Benjamin Bloom gave his Stoke City and Sunderland score prediction.
Bloom said: “Impressed with Sunderland. There’s so many draws, and I’m loathed to say too many draws because Sunderland have been so good.
“But there’s a high standard ahead of them. They need wins. I feel they’re going to get one at Stoke.
“Stoke are not on good form at all at the moment. One point in their last five. They haven’t scored in their last two. They’ve just had to play Leeds, now they’re playing Sunderland.
“I think another shut out and another home defeat,” Bloom concluded, predicting a 1-0 win for Sunderland.
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Stoke City vs Sunderland H2H
In 2023, Sunderland lost both their games against the Potters. But in 2024, Sunderland have won both their games against them.
Earlier in December, Sunderland beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, winning again at home back in January.
Stoke though won the last meeting between the two at the bet365 Stadium, with the Potters winning 2-1 back in October 2023.
Sunderland’s last win at Stoke City came back in 2022 in what was the Black Cats’ first season back in the Championship following promotion from League One.
That same season, Sunderland were thumped 5-1 by Stoke City at home, when Mowbray was at the helm for the Black Cats.
As things stand, Stoke sit in 20th place of the home form table having taken just 14 points from a possible 36 at home this season, with no wins in nine.
Sunderland meanwhile sit in 3rd place of the away form table. They’ve lost just one of their last 16 in the Championship, winning three of their last five.