Sunderland vs Rotherham prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-30 18:45.
Sunderland’s strong return to the Championship after a four-year exile is now but a distant memory, with the Black Cats suffering a second loss in three league games at the weekend (0-1 vs Norwich). The now-confirmed departure of coach Alex Neil to Stoke City remains a disruptive factor, as various names continue to be linked with the Stadium of Light’s hotseat.
Transition is never easy, and the pressure is on Sunderland to get their season back on track quickly. But if there is one crumb of comfort, the Wearsiders are currently two points ahead of where they stood at the same stage in 2006/07 – the last occasion they managed to ascend into the top-flight – keeping hopes of a double promotion alive.
Though the season is still young, unbeaten Rotherham United (W2, D3) who were promoted alongside Sunderland may be eyeing up a playoff spot themselves, and even a shock maiden surge into the top-flight, after ending Saturday in the top-six by beating Birmingham 2-0. Yet, after three relegations in five years, a first Championship survival since 2015/16 remains the real target for now.
The performance against Birmingham clearly impressed Rotherham manager Paul Warne, who stated that the triumph was his “favourite game in management” at this level. Nobody can deny that the positive feeling will only provide a good catalyst, as his men look to end the club’s ten-game winless streak at Sunderland (D4, L6), which dates back to November 1959!
Players to watch: Expect entertainment if Sunderland’s Ellis Simms scores, with his last six goalscoring games seeing both teams combine to produce over 2.5 total goals! Richard Wood arguably takes the pre-match spotlight though, with his double against Birmingham meaning that he’s scored the opener in both of Rotherham’s league wins to date.
Hot streak: Rotherham haven’t conceded the opening goal for seven league games – a run that started at Sunderland back in April!