Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Sunderland opened with a surprise win, but the context soon became clear. Results for the promoted team have dipped, and before facing Brentford they are already seen as underdogs at home.
Sunderland
That 3:0 was against West Ham United, who look the least prepared side at the start of the season. In matchweek two the team faced fellow newcomers from the Championship, Burnley, with a chance to take points, but they lost 0:2 despite creating clear openings early on. It is also worth noting Burnley had a goal disallowed. There was pressure on the defender in that incident, but the lack of communication across the back line should concern Sunderland supporters. That is the downside of a wholesale rebuild.
Brentford
Brentford have not embarked on a major recruitment drive. They are prioritising continuity, which is not straightforward after the architect of the project, Thomas Frank, moved to Tottenham Hotspur. His assistant, Keith Andrews, has stepped up as head coach and is trying to keep things steady. Some have therefore labelled the side as underdogs; it is too early to say. Even without the forward pair who delivered 39 goals, they beat Aston Villa (1:0) at home. A 2:0 win away to AFC Bournemouth in the second round of the EFL Cup also offers encouragement.
Sunderland vs Brentford Prediction
Even the departure of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who made the most saves (133) in the English Premier League last season, has not derailed them. Caoimhín Kelleher is now in place, and he demonstrated his shot-stopping ability at Liverpool. Brentford remain well-structured, so we are backing them.
