Pundits Jeff Stelling and Chris Sutton have both backed Sunderland to narrowly beat Leeds United at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
The Black Cats play host to Daniel Farke’s men for the first time since the two clubs were promoted back to the Premier League this summer, with both sides making admirable bids to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Sunderland have shone during the early stages of the new campaign, amassing 27 points from 17 matches and climbing up to sixth in the table, while an ongoing unbeaten run of four matches – including two wins and two draws – has helped Leeds to open up a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
But while the Whites may be in the midst of a purple patch, both Stelling and Sutton have predicted that they will suffer a sobering defeat to Regis Le Bris’ high-fliers on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking to talkSPORT, popular broadcaster Stelling suggested that Sunderland’s impressive home form could ultimately provide them with enough of a platform to edge out their fellow top flight new boys.
He said: “Sunday at two o’clock, Sunderland face Leeds. Well, Sunderland have made the Stadium of Light a real fortress, haven’t they, while Leeds’ away form is still a cause for concern.
“But this is a Sunderland side with half-a-dozen players unavailable due to the African Cup of Nations. There’ll be another great atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, no doubt about that, with two of the most raucous sets of fans in the Premier League. I think one goal will be enough to decide this. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds.”
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Speaking to BBC Sport for his weekly predictions column, Sutton said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been absolutely unbelievable up front for Leeds. They are just a much better team with him in it, and their confidence must be sky-high at the moment too, because they have had some excellent results recently.
“The worry for Sunderland is how much they will miss their players who are away at AFCON, but I don’t think it will affect them. The Black Cats don’t score a lot of goals but they are always so well-organised – I am going for them to win, and keep out Calvert-Lewin to keep a clean sheet too.”
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The former striker has also forecast a 1-0 Sunderland win.
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