Match Preview: Sunderland vs Bolton Wanderers

Following on from a decent 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Bolton Wanderers head to the North East to face a struggling Sunderland side.

The Mackems have carried on their poor form from last season and are currently only two points above Wanderers in 23rd place.

Simon Grayson’s team have only won once all season, and are one game away from equaling an English club record of 19 games without a home win. Sunderland’s only league win this season came against Norwich City back in August, and failure to beat Bolton could lead to Grayson’s dismissal as manager.

Meanwhile, Wanderers are currently on their best form of the season, having gained five points from the last three games. Despite conceding a very late goal on Saturday, Phil Parkinson’s men will head to the Stadium of Light full of confidence, hoping for that first Championship away win since April 2015.

Sunderland are unbeaten in the last seven league meetings between the two sides, winning five and drawing twice. Wanderers’ last league win against Sunderland was a 4-1 away in back in November 2008, a result that helped Gary Megson win the MOTM award.

Wanderers did actually beat Sunderland the last time they played. Bolton won 2-0 in the FA Cup 3rd round replay in January 2013, courtesy of two goals from Marvin Sordell.

Team News

Sunderland will be without Everton loanee Tyias Browning, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury. Paddy McNair returned from an eleven month lay-off with knee ligament damage as a second-half substitute at the weekend and could feature. A number of other players also face late fitness tests.

Wanderers will definitely be without Andrew Taylor, who went off on Saturday with a back injury. Expect Antonee Robinson to start in his place. Filipe Morais and Adam Le Fondre face late fitness tests.

Match Odds

Sunderland 4/5

Draw 13/5

Bolton 7/2

Match Prediction

It’ll be another close game for Wanderers. The Black Cats are eager not to equal an English football record, so I think this one will go down as a draw. 1-1.

Hopefully I’m wrong and Wanderers get their first away win of the season.

Not going to the game? Keep an eye on the LOV live blog and twitter to keep you updated.