Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle Predictions

• Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five league games.
• Plymouth had lost three consecutive league games before drawing at MK Dons under their new manager in midweek.
• Sunderland’s record of eight wins in 10 games at the Stadium of Light is the division’s best home record.

Tough tip awaits Plymouth’s new boss

It’s been a turbulent few weeks for a Plymouth Argyle team who find themselves, perhaps unexpectedly, battling for a first return to the Championship since 2010. After losing three consecutive league matches, boss Ryan Lowe opted to join second tier Preston, to be replaced by assistant Steven Schumacher.

Schumacher’s first outing as boss saw Plymouth earn a creditable draw at MK Dons on Wednesday, but Saturday’s long trip north to the Stadium of Light will prove even tougher. The Black Cats have won eight of 10 on their home ground this term, the best such record in League One, scoring 22 and conceding five.

Lee Johnson’s Sunderland are also unbeaten in five League One matches after hammering Morecambe 5-0 in midweek. Their tally of 36 goals scored is bettered only by Rotherham and MK Dons, while Plymouth have now won on just one of their last four away trips, at Accrington Stanley.

Hosts to state promotion credentials

League One’s promotion battle is shaping up to be thrilling, with just six points separating the top seven teams, and two clubs on long unbeaten runs chasing them down in eighth and ninth. Schumacher may face a tough task to keep his new team in the running.

Backing the Black Cats to maintain their superb home record may be the smartest play for this fixture, with a hard-fought 2-1 win for Sunderland seeming a decent correct score prediction.