With seven Premier League games remaining until the turn of the year and the season’s halfway stage, we take a look at how we think Sunderland will fare up until the start of 2016.
Vs Crystal Palace (A), Nov 23
Sunderland’s memorable Tyne-Wear victory over arch-rivals Newcastle United is already fast becoming a distant memory after back-to-back Premier League defeats to Everton and Southampton respectively. Plus; it doesn’t get any easier for Sam Allardyce’s men with a Monday night trip to Selhurst Park, perhaps make that three losses on the bounce then…
Shoot Says: Lose
Vs Stoke City (H), Nov 28
The Black Cats must make the Stadium of Light a fortress this season if they are to have any chance of beating the drop come the end of the season. And despite the goalkeeping heroics of England shot stopper Jack Butland this term, we predict Stoke City will cave into a surprise defeat at Sunderland later this month for only the hosts second taste of success this league campaign.
Shoot Says: Win
Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to the hands of Southampton leaves Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland four points adrift of safety in 19th.
Vs Arsenal (A), Dec 5
However those celebrations maybe cut short once Big Sam & Co. visit joint-Premier League leaders Arsenal to kick start their December run-in. Having won five of their last six games, the Gunners will be heavily tipped to shoot down Sunderland with ease inside the Emirates.
Shoot Says: Lose
Vs Watford (H), Dec 12
With a frightening fixture list staring Sunderland in the face until the end of the calendar year, the Black Cats will be desperate to achieve a result against the Premier League newboys Watford. Manager Quique Flores’ masterful defensive tactics have gone down a treat at the Hornets so far this season, but leading tactician Sam Allardyce should be able to work his magic against the visitors to snatch a stalemate for the hosts.
Shoot Says: Draw
Vs Chelsea (A), Dec 19
This is just the beginning of Sunderland’s wretched end to 2015; starting with an untimely trip to Stamford Bridge to face defending league champions Chelsea. Jose Mourinho’s Blues should have heavily improved by the Christmas run-in after their woeful start to the campaign, with the Black Cats destined to leave London empty handed.
Shoot Says: Lose
Vs Manchester City (A), Dec 26
Fancy grabbing a result at the joint-Premier League leaders on Boxing Day? No chance, sorry. Ruthless City, who should have star striker Sergio Aguero back in full swing, should make easy work of Big Sam’s side inside the Etihad Stadium to maintain their title contending form.
Shoot Says: Lose
Vs Liverpool (H), Dec 30
Crystal Palace’s impressive display at Anfield last weekend has grinded Jurgen Klopp’s unbeaten reign at Liverpool to a halt, giving Sunderland some hope they can salvage a point against the Reds. With a relegation six-pointer lurking around the corner on January 2 against Aston Villa, the Black Cats would take a point before kick-off against Liverpool to give themselves some much needed momentum.
Shoot Says: Draw
Overall Points: 11
League position: 18th
