Sunderland host Oxford United at the Stadium of Light this weekend as we enter the 12th gameweek of the Championship campaign.
Sunderland are flying this season and Regis Le Bris’ side will be looking to continue their impressive charge against Oxford United.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last four games, of which they have won three.
Three huge points were brought back to Wearside in midweek as Sunderland secured a 2-1 victory over Luton Town. Le Bris’ men found themselves under the cosh for the majority of the game but two moments of quality from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle helped them grind out a huge win.
Oxford United meanwhile are having a fine start to life back in the Championship. The U’s are in 11th place following their promotion from League One.
They are on a run of five games without defeat however have only taken five points from those games, drawing all of them.
Des Buckingham’s side have only picked up two points on the road this season and face the daunting task of changing that at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have only dropped two points at home all season.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“Sunderland’s confidence will be sky-high going into this game after some fine performances over the last week.
“Oxford United however have proven how hard they are to beat in recent weeks but will need to be on top form to keep Sunderland out at the minute.
“That said though, I do feel the Yellows’ unbeaten run will come to an end this weekend. Le Bris’ side should have too much talent, firing them to a 3-0 home win.”
Prediction: Sunderland 3-0 Oxford United
James Ray
“Oxford United might not be too fond of becoming draw specialists but they should be pleased to be getting points on the board and avoiding defeats. Their strong start might have shifted hopes for this season a bit, but the main priority is just staying in this division.
“A result against Sunderland is going to be hard to come by though. The Stadium of Light is one of the toughest places to go at the moment and Le Bris’ side are just oozing confidence.
“That should see them claim another win here, though I think the visitors will make them work for it.”