Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
With both clubs comfortably positioned in the table, there is little at stake other than maintaining form in the final stretch of the season.
Sunderland
Sunderland have been locked in fourth place since Matchweek 18, with a sizeable gap keeping them above the mid-table teams yet six points behind Burnley in the race for automatic promotion. A recent slump saw them suffer back-to-back defeats, particularly disappointing was their first home loss of the season against Hull City (0:1), which increased the distance from the top three.
Preston North End
Preston North End are far from being a dangerous away side, having won just three of their 18 league matches on the road. Cardiff City, Watford, and Norwich City were the only teams to fall to Preston away from home. Over the past three months, they have played nine away matches, securing three wins but suffering five losses, with their only draw a goalless stalemate against Luton Town.
Sunderland vs Preston North End Prediction
With Sunderland boasting 11 home wins from 18 and conceding just 0.8 goals per game at the Stadium of Light, they are well-placed to return to winning ways. Preston’s inconsistency on the road makes an away upset unlikely, so the home side should take all three points.
