It has been a strange couple of weeks for Sunderland. David Moyes side looked destined for the drop for much of the campaign, but then they recorded a few victories and the Black Cats looked set to escape the drop zone.
However, their form has been inconsistent of late and they head into Saturday’s home game against Watford bottom of the table, four points away from safety.
The Black Cats home form has been decent of late, as they have recorded two wins from their last three home games in the top-flight. The other game was a narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders, Chelsea, last time out.
They were maybe slightly unlucky not to get something from the game against arguably the best team in the country. The Black Cats overall record in the Premier League is not great, as the north east side have won just three of their last 17 games in the top-flight.
In fact, Moyes side have lost seven of their last ten games in all competitions. The stats do not make great reading for the fans or anybody connected with the Black Cats.
However, Watford could be ideal opponents for this clash. The Hornets have been highly inconsistent in recent weeks. Their away record is also cause for concern, as Walter Mazzarri’s side have won just two of their last 12 away games in all competitions.
The Hornets have also lost three of their last four games in the Premier League, so they are not exactly travelling to the north east in the best of shape.
Sunderland are in desperate need of three points and this is the sort of game they need to win if they are to have any chance of beating the drop this season.
Forebet predicts that this will be a high-scoring and close game. However, it is definitely a winnable one for the home side.