Sunderland vs Preston prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-09-30 14:00.
New Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has enjoyed a mixed start to life on Wearside (W2, D1, L1), but he is still reaping the rewards of a flying start to the season that has put the Black Cats inside the play-off places after ten rounds. That start has been exemplified by an impressive performance up front as three of their four Championship wins have seen the newly-promoted outfit score three goals, with only Sheffield United, Burnley and Bristol City out-scoring Sunderland at this early stage of the season.
Most of their thrills have been reserved for the road though, with just one victory coming at the Stadium of Light so far, including two draws that saw them fail to hold onto a late lead. If Mowbray wants to get his side back on track at home they’ll have to overcome a poor record against Preston North End, as the Wearsiders have failed to win any H2H since September 2004 – a run of six winless meetings (D1, L5).
Preston manager Ryan Lowe was left frustrated by defeat to league leaders Sheffield United before the international break, lamenting his side’s inability to find ‘that ruthless edge’. Rather strangely, the Lilywhites boast both the best defence and worst attack in the division, with their ten games producing just seven goals.
Road trips have been more fruitful for North End though, picking up two thirds of their points away from Deepdale, and they’re yet to concede a single goal on their travels. Preston have also won the last two away league meetings, and could even move level on points with Sunderland if they are victorious in this clash.
Players to watch: In the absence of top scorer Ross Stewart, Patrick Roberts has stepped up for Sunderland, directly contributing to three of their last five goals (G2, A1). Meanwhile, getting Brad Potts in the thick of the action could be crucial for Preston, as the winger hasn’t lost in any of his last ten appearances when he’s directly contributed to a goal (W7, D3).
Hot stat: Five of the last six goals Preston have conceded arrived before half-time.