Sunderland and Preston North End, looking to return to action after the international break with a victory, will square off at the Stadium of Light on Saturday with kickoff at 5 pm.
Sunderland has enjoyed a positive start to the new season, putting themselves in the top six at the first international break with 15 points from 10 contests.
They have already changed, though, with the second of those victories – a 2-0 beating of Stoke City – immediately followed by the departure of manager Alex Neil, and Tony Mowbray was appointed to lead the Black Cats forward.
In his four games at the helm thus far, the new boss has overseen two victories, including a 3-0 beating of Rotherham United in his first game before falling short away at rivals Middlesbrough.
Preston North End went into the international break in a bit of an ebb and will aim to bounce back positively when they face Sheffield Wednesday tonight.
Thus far, the Lilywhites’ season has been defined by their defensive stability, with no other Championship side conceding as few as the four goals they have shipped in 10 games. But with only three goals in that period, they have only managed 12 points.
Sunderland vs Preston North End Head to Head
Both sides have five games against each other, with the hosts winless while the visitors with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Watford 2-2 Sunderland
- Reading 0-3 Sunderland
- Middlesbrough 0-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 3-0 Rotherham United
Away
- Preston North End 0-2 Sheffield United
- Preston 1-1 Burnley
- Birmingham 1-0 Preston
- Coventry City 0-1 Preston
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland will again be unable to call on Ross Stewart, a key striker. The latter has scored five times in seven Championship appearances this term after helping them win promotion with 26 League One goals last season, as he continues to nurse an injury.
Preston North End Team News
Preston North End should have a full squad to pick from after the returns of the likes of Andrew Hughes. However, he may have to wait for a start after Greg Cunningham stepped into the back three alongside Liam Lindsay and Jordan Storey in impressive fashion.
Prediction and Odds
Sunderland appears to be able to rely on their defence even without their star strikers, and they have home advantage over visitors on Saturday.
- Sunderland Win
- Correct Score: 1-0
- First Half: 0-0
