Blackpool VS Sunderland – Match Preview & Prediction
Preview
The Black Cats travel to Bloomfield Road on New Year’s Day as they look to start 2023 on a high.
Sunderland dealt with a huge blow yesterday, as Everton loanee, Ellis Simms was recalled to his parent club after impressing at the Stadium of Light as they look to resolve their problems upfront.
Simms scored in his last game for Sunderland on Thursday against Wigan as they won 1-4 at the DW Stadium with an impressive performance from a team that was averaged at just 22 years old.
It has been an extremely competitive league this year, Sunderland could move up to 3rd if they win today, but if they were to lose, it is possible for them to drop as low as 13th!
Blackpool will be desperate to get the win as it could see them climb out of the relegation places.
Blackpool have failed to win since 29th October as they sit second from bottom without a victory in their last 8 league games.
They do have a threat upfront in Jerry Yates who has scored 9 goals so far this season, so Sunderland will be keen to keep him out.
These two sides met on New Year’s Day in 2019, during Sunderland’s first season in League One.
The Black Cats came out 0-1 winners thanks to a goal by Josh Maja.
Last time these two sides met the score was a boring 0-0 at the Stadium of Light and the fans will be hoping for more of an exciting game.
Luke O’Nien is set to make his 200th appearance for the Black Cats as he will have represented Sunderland in 6 consecutive calendar years.
Alese, Cirkin, Batth, Pritchard and Gooch are all doubtful to make the trip to Blackpool.
Prediction
Blackpool 1-3 Sunderland.
Scorers – Stewart x2 and Clarke.
