EFL expert delivers score prediction for Sunderland v Reading
Having put up a brave performance against Premier League opposition in the form of Fulham on Wednesday evening, Sunderland must now restore their focus on Championship action as Reading make the long trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats have been rid of a potential distraction in the form of the FA Cup following the Cottagers’ 3-2 fourth round replay victory on Wearside, and now they can get back to pushing for the play-off spots in the second tier, in which they sit just two points outside of.
Just one league victory in four attempts though since the start of January sees Tony Mowbray’s side in ninth position when realistically they could be inside the top six – which is where they could be if they pick up all three points against the Royals.
Following a promising first couple of months of the campaign, Paul Ince’s side have slipped down to 16th in the Championship standings, winning just two of their eight matches since football returned in December following a month-long break.
Quiz: Can you name which club Sunderland signed these 22 players from?
Momentum is perhaps on Reading’s side from last week’s comeback against Watford, where they battled back from 2-0 down at home to draw 2-2 with the Hornets.
But EFL pundit David Prutton does not fancy their chances in the North East, as he has tipped Sunderland to run out 2-0 victors on his Sky Sports predictions podcast.
The Verdict
Even though they just have one out-and-out striker for the rest of the season, Sunderland’s exciting other options in the final third, whether that is out wide or in the number 10 position, suggests that they shouldn’t see the goals dry up anytime soon.
They really took the game to Fulham on Wednesday and if that hasn’t taken too much out of them, then they should perhaps have too much for Reading, who have won just once away from home since October.
Paul Ince’s side have not been strong on their travels and in-front of a packed Stadium of Light, they will probably falter again.
This is the Championship though and anything can happen, so don’t be too shocked if Reading pick up at least a point and take it back to Berkshire.
