On New Year’s Day, Championship strugglers Sunderland and Barnsley meet at the Stadium of Light, as both teams’ attempts to move away from the relegation zone.
Sunderland’s recent form in the Championship has been mixed. However, The Black Cats have now suffered just one defeat in their last five league games, which has been enough to see them move out of the relegation zone.
However, the north east side are only outside the drop zone courtesy of a superior goal difference to 22nd place Bolton. A 1-0 win last time out at Nottingham Forest was a much-needed one.
The Black Cats recent Championship games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five league outings.
Chris Coleman’s side has a woeful recent home record in the second tier, winning just one of their last 12 games. Goals have been the name of the game in recent league games at the Stadium of Light, though, with both teams scoring in seven of the last eight league games at Sunderland.
Barnsley are just a point and a place better off than the home side in the Championship table after a horrendous run in the league. The Tykes have now failed to win in their last ten Championship games, suffering six defeats in the process.
Last time out Paul Heckingbottom’s side drew 1-1 with Reading. The weekend results dragged the Yorkshire side closer to the drop zone.
The Tykes away form really has not helped their position in the table. The visitors have failed to win in their last five away games in the Championship, losing three of their last four games. Heckingbottom’s team have also conceded two or more goals in all three of those away defeats.
This game could be a tight one and is vital for both sides. Forebet predicts that this clash will finish all square.