Burton Albion vs Sunderland Predictions

Despite taking the lead, a lead which they held until the 84^th minute, Burton were perhaps a tad fortunate to walk away from their away match against Accrington with a share of the spoils. Having enjoyed some good fortune on that occasion, the Brewers, who’re now without a win in two, will be looking to come out on top against Sunderland, who’re also without a win in two.

Burton did hold the lead until late on at Accrington last weekend, so it’s easy to assume that they may have left that game feeling disappointed, though on the balance of play, Nigel Clough’s men could have no complaints.

Overall, it’s been an up and down start to the season for the Brewers, who are looking to return to the Championship. With players such as Marvin Sordell, Liam Boyce and David Templeton in their ranks, they’re not short of forward quality, and at times, they’ve looked good in the final third. Though they’ve been inconsistent in that respect, while they’ve rarely avoided giving quite a bit away at the other end. Having struggled to keep Accrington at bay last weekend, the hosts could find it tough to halt Sunderland, who really ought to have scored more goals last time out.

Sunderland have stuttered in recent weeks, as they come here without a win in two, but it’s fair to say that they’ve been very steady over the first seven matches. Jack Ross’ men haven’t burst into life, but they’re slowly showing more in the final third, both in terms of creativity and end-product, while they’ve rarely failed to defend reasonably well.

They did give a bit away against a useful Fleetwood side last weekend, though they came on strong offensively, especially in the second half. In truth, a repeat of that attacking performance at Pirelli Stadium would likely see the visitors cause Burton lots of problems.

In terms of this match, Sunderland look a good bet to bag a couple of goals. Not only did they do enough to score multiple goals against Fleetwood last time out, but Burton’s recent defensive efforts suggest that Jack Ross’ men could get plenty of joy. The hosts have conceded an average of 1.76 expected goals in their last three league matches, so backing Sunderland to find their attacking stride by notching at least twice is the way to make this fixture pay.