Plymouth vs Sunderland prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-11-24 15:00.
After gaining promotion into the Championship and making their first competition appearance since 2009/10, survival would have surely been the target for Plymouth Argyle. They might take some comfort then that they will start round 16 outside of the relegation zone, yet the Pilgrims’ form is on a worrying downward trajectory with just one win from their last eight league outings (D3, L4).
While form has faltered, Plymouth fans can’t say they’ve not been getting their money’s worth from an entertainment perspective at least, with their league matches averaging 3.38 goals per game this campaign. Notably, they have scored but also conceded exactly 27 goals, and only three sides in both departments have scored or conceded more coming into the round.
In contrast to their opponents here, Sunderland make the 400-mile trip south on the back of a three match unbeaten run prior to the international break (W2, D1). That mini streak pushed the Black Cats back into the top six spots ahead of this latest Championship matchday, as they continue to chase a second successive finish in the play-offs.
Improvements can still be made though and for Sunderland that means regaining better form on their travels. Their last three league away games have yielded just one point (D1, L2), so putting in a much better showing here is needed, especially if they want to extend their four-match unbeaten H2H run at this venue in the process (W3, D1).
Players to watch: Morgan Whittaker has been in fine form this season for Plymouth, scoring seven goals in 16 Championship outings, five of which came before half-time. Looking to upstage him here will be Sunderland’s Jack Clarke, the league’s joint-second top scorer ahead of this matchday with nine goals, four of which came from the penalty spot.
Hot stat: Six of Plymouth’s eight home Championship matches this campaign have witnessed at least one side score 3+ goals.