EFL Pundit and former Leeds United star David Prutton believes that Sunderland will walk away from Home Park this weekend disappointed as the Black Cats face Plymouth Argyle.
Tony Mowbray’s men managed to pick up all three points at home to Championship strugglers Birmingham City prior to the international break. Goals from Jobe Bellingham, Adil Aouchiche and an own goal from Dion Sanderson pushed the side into sixth.
Sunderland do have some favourable fixtures on the near horizon too. A lengthy trip to Plymouth is succeeded by a home bout versus relegation contenders Huddersfield Town and an away visit to Millwall.
If Mowbray’s side get the job done this weekend against the Pilgrims and Preston North End fail to beat Cardiff City, Sunderland will move up to fifth in the table, although a failure to win could see them drop out of the top six.
The distance from Sunderland to Plymouth is over 400 miles and Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes this will affect the team’s performance. Writing in his column, Prutton predicted a 2-2 draw between the two sides:
“Plymouth have played some nice stuff this season but haven’t always turned performances into points. It is something they need to rectify if they want to climb the table.
“This is a long, long trip for Sunderland. But one they hope will be fruitful after an excellent performance before the international break against Birmingham. Goals here! And a draw.”
The last time the two sides met at Home Park was back in April 2022 when both were desperately trying to escape from the clutches of League One, with the match ending goalless. What a difference eighteen months can make.
Writer’s View
Prutton certainly has a point. Such a long trip can be exhausting for players and can cause lapses in concentration and fatigue on the pitch which could happen to Sunderland this weekend.
However, even if the performance isn’t great, if Sunderland can get out of this fixture with all three points, it will be a job well done by the players and coaches.
Deputy Head of Writing
