Stoke City VS Sunderland – Match Preview & Prediction

Championship football returns after the international break, and Sunderland will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing defeat to Middlesbrough last time out, as they face Stoke City away from home.

It is well known that Sunderland’s opponents are managed by Alex Neil.

Despite struggling for consistent form at The Potters, Alex Neil was the man to finally promote The Black Cats from League One, after a 4-year stint in the third tier.

Shortly after his first full season began, he was tempted after being approached by Stoke, and eventually, he made the move, leaving most Sunderland fans angry with his decision.

However, Tony Mowbray has came in, and done a magnificent job with Sunderland, and he was even able to secure a play-off spot in his first season in charge.

The last time the two sides met at the Bet365 Stadium, Sunderland beat Stoke 0-1, thanks to a goal by Ross Stewart, just before half-time.

However, when Stoke came to play at The Stadium of Light, thay came out 5-1 winners, in what was Alex Neil’s first game against The Black Cats since his departure.

Sunderland have beaten Stoke City on 3 of the last 4 occasions, and the Black Cats are currently on a 3 game win streak away from home.

The Pottets have won just 1 of their last 8 games in the league, as Alex Neil’s job is now under pressure.

Sunderland, on the other hand, have won 5 of their last 7 games in the league, but they were defeated 0-4 by Middlesbrough last time out, after Dan Neil was given a red card for dissent, after already being booked.

A win fir Sunderland could see them move up to 3rd in the league, and 4 points clear in the play-offs, whereas a win for Stoke could see them move as high as 17th, and 5 points clear of relegation.

Team News

Dan Neil is suspended following his sending off against Middlesbrough last time out.

Dan Ballard and Pierre Ekwah are doubtful for the game, after recovering from their respective knocks.

Prediction

Sunderland 2-0 Stoke City

Scorers – Jack Clarke and Jobe.