Sunderland vs Stoke City – Match Preview & Prediction

Alex Neil returns to The Stadium of Light for the first time since he left in August, as Sunderland look to revive their play-off hopes.

The Black Cats have lost their last two games, and they now sit in 9th, 5 points from the play-offs.

With a victory, Sunderland could move up to 7th, depending on other results.

Alex Neil’s side have also lost their last two games, losing 0-1 against Brighton in the FA Cup and 1-0 against Millwall in their last league game.

They currently sit 17th on 40 points, and if they were to win, they could move up to 16th.

Stoke’s main threat this season has come from Lewis Baker, who has 13 G/A so far in this campaign.

Last time these two sides faced each other was Alex Neil’s final game in charge of Sunderland back in August, and they came out 0-1 winners, thanks to a goal from Ross Stewart.

Lynden Gooch and Niall Huggins remain out, but the pair are currently undergoing light training sessions as they prepare to return following their injuries.

Prediction

Sunderland 1-0 Stoke.

Scorer – Jack Clarke.