Paul Merson shares Sunderland problem as ‘dangerous’ Bournemouth prediction made
Paul Merson anticipates Sunderland’s incredible home run to come to an end.
Sunderland host Bournemouth on Saturday, knowing that a win could mathematically take them up to third, though that would require Leeds to beat Man City.
The Black Cats saw their four-game unbeaten run come to an end after a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage last time out, though their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light remains intact.
The Cherries will be looking to change that this weekend, and Merson thinks that they have enough to make that happen.
Sunderland’s festive fixtures are remarkably hard
Sunderland face Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear Derby in just over two weeks, though, before then, they have away clashes with Liverpool and Man City to contend with.
After such an impressive start to the campaign, the Black Cats could have a lot of their early work undone by the upcoming run of fixtures, which is the problem highlighted by Merson, who expects Bournemouth to take all three points on Saturday.
“This is a dangerous game for Sunderland because Bournemouth are fresh off the back of a comeback, where they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against West Ham,” Merson said via Sportskeeda.
“If you look at the table now, Sunderland are eight points clear of the relegation zone. Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle are all below them! Who would’ve thought that at the start of the season?
“The problem for Sunderland is that they face Liverpool, Manchester City (twice), Newcastle and Tottenham in their next six games after this weekend.
“If they get beat here against Bournemouth, fortunes can change quickly for them with such a tricky run ahead.”
Merson went on to predict a 2-1 defeat for Sunderland, which would be their first Premier League defeat of the season at the Stadium of Light
Regis Le Bris provides latest team news
Sunderland have no fresh injury concerns heading into the Bournemouth game, though it appears as though several players are close to making their return.
Romaine Mundle scored for the Under-23s in a 1-0 win over Sporting last week, and he could be involved within the next week, with Dennis Cirkin also edging closer to a return.
“We have the full squad, though, so we don’t have to rush. Now, it’s just a question of choice, if I want to make the choice or not,” Le Bris said as quoted by the Northern Echo.
“As for Dennis and Leo [Hjelde], they still need time to build their level. They are not too far from selection as well.”
Habib Diarra could return against Newcastle, with Le Bris also confirming that their club-record signing is making good progress in his rehab.
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