Sunderland vs Stoke prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-01-26 15:00.
After three successive defeats, including the 3-0 home loss to local rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup, Sunderland boss Michael Beale is coming under pressure in spite of only being appointed a little over a month ago. The former Rangers manager saw his side go down 1-0 at home to Hull City last Friday, and whilst understanding their frustrations, Beale appealed to the fans asking for “any little help they can give the players.”
Whether the supporters will respond positively to Beale’s request remains to be seen, but with no goals scored at the Stadium of Light in their last two games, patience is likely to be in short supply when Stoke City visit on Saturday. However, if the Black Cats can win, the feelgood factor could swiftly return as they would find themselves back in play-off contention and level on points with Coventry in sixth given the lack of Championship action this weekend.
Eight points behind Sunderland and as many above the relegation zone, Stoke have made good progress across the six league games (W2, D3, L1) since Steven Schumacher took over 24 hours after Beale. With the Potters in 19th place, they’re strangely no better off positionally, but having extended their cushion to the relegation zone from three to eight points, there are clear signs progress has been made.
Schumacher now brings his side to the North East hoping to extend their unbeaten away run to five matches (D2, L2) and looking to do the double over Sunderland after a 2-1 win in October. The Potters ought to fancy their chances at the Stadium of Light where they triumphed 5-1 in March 2023, part of a run of four Stoke victories from the last five H2Hs (L1) which includes back-to-back wins at this ground.
Players to watch: Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham has contributed to five goals in the Championship this season (G4, A1) with all five coming at the Stadium of Light. Jordan Thompson had found the net only once across his first four seasons with Stoke, but under Steven Schumacher has got two goals from five starts, scoring the first goal for his side on both occasions.
Hot streak: Stoke have scored in the first half in each of their last six away games.