Chris Coleman is tasked with improving Sunderland’s fortunes.
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 away by Aston Villa Tuesday night in Chris Coleman’s first game in charge, but attention is now turning towards the Black Cats’ next fixtures as they seek to avoid relegation.
Bottom of the Championship table having won just one out of 18 games so far, Sunderland are certainly in a difficult predicament, but how will they fare in their next five league games?
Burton Albion – away – Saturday. Prediction: 1-1 draw
A game against fellow strugglers Burton represents an ideal opportunity for Coleman to get his first victory as Sunderland manager.
However, Sunderland’s porous defence are unlikely to be able to keep a clean sheet even against under pressure opponents.
Reading – home – December 2nd. Prediction: 2-2 draw
Another side who are likely to be embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation from the Championship this season, Reading have lost two of their last five games.
Sunderland will hope to take at least a point from this fixture and will be aiming to pose a greater attacking threat than they have in recent games.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – away – December 9th. Prediction: Wolves win 3-0
Nuno Espirito Santo has received much praise for the work that he has done at Wolves this season, with his side currently top of the Championship.
It is difficult to envisage anything other than a comfortable Wolves win at Molineux.
Fulham – home – December 16th. Prediction: 1-1 draw
Fulham, the club with whom Coleman started his managerial career, have struggled for consistency this season.
If Sunderland show sufficient determination, they could take at least a draw from this game.
Birmingham City – home – December 23rd. Prediction: Sunderland win 1-0
Yet another team that are battling to stay up, Birmingham have scored just nine times in the Premier League this season and are unlikely to pose a major threat to the Sunderland goal.
This game is an excellent chance for the Black Cats to secure a rare three points.
Overall, Coleman has much work to do if he is to save Sunderland from relegation, but the club will be hopeful of taking at least a point from several of their upcoming fixtures. We are predicting that Sunderland will get 6 points from their next 5 games, although turning just one of our predicted draws into a win will make a massive difference, and could see the club climb up the league table. Hopefully there are brighter days ahead for the Sunderland faithful.
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