Sunderland make the trip to Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
Sunderland are back in action in the Championship this weekend, and back on the south coast.
Last time out, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats were down at Fratton Park where they beat Portsmouth 3-1 to extend their winning start to the 2024/25 season.
Going into this month’s international break, Sunderland sit in 1st place of the Championship table compared to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth in 22nd.
The Green Army have taken just two points from a possible 12 and will be backed to lose against a rampant Sunderland side this weekend.
Le Bris though has had a number of players head away on international duty this month, with the likes of Alan Browne playing for Ireland on Tuesday, and so Sunderland might have a few weary players in their ranks.
Being so close to the start of the season, though, expect the Sunderland first-team to still have plenty of energy.
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Plymouth Argyle vs Sunderland score prediction
Last season, Plymouth played in the Championship following their promotion from League One in 2023.
Though the south coast club would eventually finish in 21st after having a number of managers in place throughout the campaign.
Last time round, Plymouth beat Sunderland 2-0 at home, with the Black Cats winning the reverse fixture 3-1 t the Stadium of Light.
After such a positive start to this new season, EFL pundit Sam Parkin has backed Sunderland to extend their winning start to five games.
He said on the Championship Check-In podcast: “I just find it hard to envisage anything different. Can I try and make a case for Argyle? I just don’t think I can.
“You never know. The break might have done them a bit of good, a bit more time.
“Obviously he’s [Rooney] still having a look at what’s going to be his best XI.
“But I think Sunderland are just so vibrant, and so confident at the moment.
“I’ll go for a 2-1 away win.”
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Sunderland facing new challenge under Regis Le Bris
Now that we’ve had four games of the season, and Sunderland have come through all four with four wins, there’s newfound expectation.
Going into games like this, against opposition much lower down in the table, Sunderland will be largely expected to win.
And it’s this expectation, against underdogs like Plymouth, that could ultimately prove to be Le Bris and Sunderland’s biggest challenge this season.
Plymouth will set up to frustrate Sunderland and so it could be very difficult to break them down, no matter how much attacking firepower the Black Cats might have,
Kick off is a 3pm on Saturday.