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Charlie Nicholas predicts QPR v Sunderland; suggests first goalscorer

Sunderland manager David Moyes before the match (REUTERS)
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The Premier League side travel to Loftus Road in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Sunderland manager David Moyes before the matchSunderland manager David Moyes

Charlie Nicholas has backed Sunderland to book their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup by claiming a narrow victory over Queens Park Rangers, Sky Sports reports.

The Black Cats will be looking to Wednesday’s game as an opportunity to inject some positivity into their season after a poor start to their Premier League campaign. Following Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham, David Moyes’ men are second-bottom, having collected just one point from their opening five games.

QPR manager Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkQPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Similarly, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side will be looking to end their poor run at Loftus Road. The Hoops have failed to win any of their last three games, and suffered a 6-0 defeat at home to Newcastle last week.

And it appears to be due to that form that Nicholas is backing the away side to sneak the victory, and suggested the player who will bag what he feels will be the decisive goal.

“If David Moyes plays a strong team and loses then he’ll get even more stick, but he needs a result. He might rest Jermain Defoe as the home game against Crystal Palace at the weekend is huge for the Black Cats,” he told Sky Sports before explaining why he expects Sunderland to win 1-0.

Duncan Watmore scores the first goal for Sunderland with a penaltyDuncan Watmore

“Both sides have been in a bit of a mess and it’s not going to be a great game, but I’m going for Duncan Watmore to edge it in the visitors’ favour.”

While Moyes will be prioritising building some momentum in the league over any cup run, there is no doubt that the side could do with discovering that winning feeling ahead of two home games – against Crystal Palace and West Brom – that they will know that they could really do with winning.

Sunderland manager David Moyes