Sunderland vs Wolves preview: Team news, likely lineups, score prediction
Sunderland return to Premier League action with a huge match against Wolves at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris and the Mackems have been excellent this season, and a victory over Wolves would be a huge boost to survival hopes.
Granit Xhaka has been immense for Sunderland, and he’ll have to lead the midfield once more if the Black Cats are to extend their unbeaten home record.
Wolves are rock-bottom of the Premier League, having only gained two points from their opening seven matches.
Form guide:
Sunderland: L, W, D, D, W
Wolves: D, D, W, L, L
Team News
Le Bris will be furious at what has happened over the international break, with some of his stars picking up injuries that could affect their availability on 18 October.
Noah Sadiki picked up an injury with the DR Congo, meaning his 100 per cent starting record in the top-flight looks to be in doubt.
Omar Alderete also sustained an injury, as he was substituted whilst in action during Paraguay’s 2-0 friendly loss to South Korea.
Long-term absentees Romaine Mundle, Habib Diarra, Leo Hjelde, Dennis Cirkin, and Aji Alese will all still be unavailable for Le Bris.
As for Wolves, they face no fresh concerns, yet Jorgen Strand Larsen is still not fully fit after sustaining an Achilles injury at the start of the season, although he is still expected to start.
Toti Gomes and Enso Gonzalez could also return to action for the visitors, meaning Pereira has nearly his full squad to choose from.
Whilst a whole host of changes are expected for Sunderland’s starting line-up, Vitor Pereira’s side certainly look more settled.
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Predicted lineups:
Sunderland: Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Ballard, Hume; Xhaka, Le Fee, Neil; Talbi, Brobbey, Adingra
Wolves: Johnstone; Tchatchoua, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno; Andre, Gomes; Arias, Munetsi, Hwang; Strand Larsen
Prediction: Sunderland 3-1 Wolves
Sunderland have been brilliant at the Stadium of Light and that shouldn’t change despite their injury worries ahead of the clash on Saturday.
Wolves are yet to win a match in the Premier League this season, yet their last game on the road saw them pick up a draw at Tottenham.
It’ll be an incredibly tough task for Wolves to leave Sunderland with all three points, especially given the fact that they have conceded late equalisers in their last two matches.
Sunderland head-to-head vs Wolves:
- Wins: 31
- Draws: 24
- Losses: 29
With the head-to-head record relatively even between both sides, the match can only really be judged by current form, and there is only one clear winner.
Wilson Isidor will look to continue his fine scoring form at the Stadium of Light, whilst Robin Roefs will undoubtedly have a huge say on the outcome of the match.
Wolves have looked far from defensively stable throughout the campaign, and Sunderland’s attacking threat from set-pieces should prove to be too much for the visitors.
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