Sunderland look to put a dismal run of form behind them when in-form Sheffield United come to Wearside this weekend.
David Prutton has told Sky Sports that he expects Sheffield United to pile further misery on Sunderland when both sides meet at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Sunderland went into the international break on the back of a demoralising 3-0 defeat by Barnsley at Oakwell, having lost 2-0 at home to Leeds United the previous week.
In contrast, Chris Wilder’s side head to Wearside on the back of two victories – a 1-0 win over Barsnley and a 3-1 victory over Derby County – as the Blades sit fifth in the Championship following their promotion last season.
It has been an excellent return to the second tier for United, and Prutton believes Wilder and co will only extend the feel-good vibe surrounding their early-season heroics come this weekend.
“Sunderland started pretty well but have gone off the rails a little bit in their last couple of games and they were awful at Barnsley last time out,” he told Sky Sports.
“Simon Grayson has got a big job on his hands and he’ll really be realising that now.
Sheffield United have lost both their away games so far, but Chris Wilder’s side will be full of confidence and I think they’ll have no fear whatsoever and could pull off something of a shock here. 2-0.”
Simon Grayson brought in three new faces on deadline day – Callum McManaman and Marc Wilson on permanent deals, while Jonny Wilson joined on loan from Crystal Palace – and it should, in theory, boost Sunderland a little.
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