Sunderland v Bristol City: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Despite their recent lean spell Sunderland are sitting in fourth place in the Championship, with only three points separating them from leaders Sheffield United.

They remain unbeaten on Wearside, having taken 21 points from nine home fixtures.

Bristol City make the long trip north hoping to atone for a poor performance in Saturday’s 3-0 loss away to Portsmouth.

The Robins are 12th in the Championship and have lost three of their last four matches without scoring.

Sunderland v Bristol City betting tips and predictions

Sunderland to win - 9/10

The Black Cats are one of four Championship clubs with an unbeaten home record and they can delight their supporters by defeating City at the Stadium of Light.

The hosts endured a winless November which was influenced by injuries and suspensions, but they were much-improved at the weekend when securing a come-from-behind victory over Stoke.

Regis Le Bris’ side conceded an early goal against Stoke City, but they bounced back with the help of two goals from 18-year-old winger Tom Watson to achieve a well-deserved three points.

Sunderland won the Saturday shot count 25 to 11 and, as well as getting the result they craved, they were boosted by the return from injury of influential left-back Dennis Cirkin, who featured as a 79th minute substitute.

While the Wearsiders thoroughly enjoyed their weekend, City had a miserable experience at a windswept Fratton Park where they lost 3-0 to struggling Pompey.

The Robins were punished for overplaying in dangerous areas and they might encounter similar problems against Sunderland, who have excelled with their counter-pressing.

Liam Manning’s side had hoped to improve on last season’s 11th place, but their 25-point tally after 19 games is no different to their total at the same stage of last term.

The Robins have delivered a few eye-catching performances including 2-0 wins away to Middlesbrough and Norwich.

However, they have tasted defeat on each of their last two road trips and may struggle to cope at one of the division’s toughest venues.

Tom Watson to score any time - 7/2

Sunderland have been prepared to place their trust in young players and they were handsomely repaid at the weekend when academy graduate Watson scored his first goals for the club.

He was making his fifth consecutive Championship start and looked totally at home in his surroundings as he produced a livewire display laced with moments of sheer quality.

The 18-year-old produced a couple of superb finishes and completed only his second full ninety minutes as a Championship player.

He looks an absolute certainty to keep his place and will be one of the main dangers to Bristol City thanks to his pace and the positions he takes up.

Watson’s confidence must be sky-high and that makes him an attractive 7/2 shot to stay on the scoring trail. 

Anis Mehmeti to have a shot on target - 5/6

City are an attack-minded side and may attempt to fight fire with fire.

Veteran striker Nahki Wells will probably lead the Robins’ attack, but the bigger threat to Sunderland may come from in-form winger Anis Mehmeti, who loves to run at defenders and needs no invitation to have a strike on goal.

The Albanian is joint-fourth in the Championship shot statistics with 47 and he looks a worthwhile 5/6 wager to get at least one effort on target.

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Sunderland v Bristol City odds

Sunderland - 9/10
Draw - 12/5
Bristol City - 31/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.