(Credit: Imago)

Josh Edwards

Thu 30 April 2026 17:00, UK

Sunderland have shipped nine goals in their last two Premier League encounters.

The Black Cats’ success this season has been built on their defensive foundations, with Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele at the heart of those efforts.

However, ever since Luciano Vulcano’s exit from the Stadium of Light, Sunderland’s defensive record has plummeted, with them now having the third-worst record in the Premier League in that period.

And those woes have been amplified over the last 180 minutes of football, with Regis Le Bris’ side having conceded nine goals in two games, with a 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa and a 5-0 hammering at home to Nottingham Forest.

Should their defensive issues continue this weekend, they run the risk of repeating a record they have avoided for almost 100 years.

• Read more: Dave Watson claims Sunderland supporters ‘let themselves down’ vs Nottingham Forest

Wolves encounter could provide unlikely repeat of 1928 woes

Le Bris has been known as a manager who prioritises defending over anything else, and for a newly-promoted team, that is the right route to take.

But to then go and concede nine goals in two games showcases that something has gone horribly wrong somewhere.

They will hold faith that they can get back to winning ways against Wolves this weekend, but should they fail to do so, and concede four or more goals, it would be the first time in 98 years that they have conceded that many goals in three successive games.

And as unlikely as it seems, it would be a major worry for the Black Cats, who simply don’t have the firepower to compete in games where they are conceding so many goals.

For context, it means that 20 per cent of the goals they have conceded this season have been in the last 180 minutes.

• Read more: Chris Rigg has adjusted to life in Premier League, but Regis Le Bris still cause of main Sunderland issue

Wolves vs Sunderland predicted by supercomputer

Given the fact that Wolves sit at the bottom of the Premier League and have already been relegated, Sunderland may be the most people’s pick to be the favourites.

However, Opta’s supercomputer forecasts a draw, with neither side given more than a 40 per cent chance of taking all three points.

Wolves are the most likely of the two to win with a 37.6 per cent chance, while the Black Cats have just a 36 per cent likelihood of victory.

For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.