Mark Lawrenson is backing Sunderland to claim a 2-0 win over Hull City this afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Sunderland will beat Hull City 2-0 in today’s vital Premier League game.
Sunderland finally picked up their first Premier League win of the season before the international break, as goals from Victor Anichebe and Jermain Defoe handed them a 2-1 win at Bournemouth.
The Black Cats need to keep that run of form going, given that they still sit bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from 11 games, and today’s game with fellow strugglers Hull City is a vital one.
David Moyes’ side may have celebrated that win last time out, but Hull also picked up three points as they came from a goal down to beat Southampton 2-1 at the KCOM Stadium.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring with Patrick van Aanholt
The Tigers had lost six games in a row before beating Southampton, and they’re now just one point behind 17th placed West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, meaning that a win would almost certainly take them out of the relegation zone.
Even in November, this game has been billed as a ‘relegation six-pointer’, as both teams are desperate for the points as they look to haul themselves away from the drop zone.
Ahead of the game, Mark Lawrenson has discussed the fixture, telling BBC Sport that he thinks Sunderland will pick up a 2-0 win and make it two victories in a row.
Hull City caretaker manager Mike Phelan looks dejected
Lawrenson added that the game isn’t must-win for Sunderland boss Moyes, but thinks he cannot afford to lose to Hull as they’re one of the Black Cats’ main relegation rivals.
“This is a huge game at the bottom of the table, especially for Sunderland manager David Moyes,” said Lawrenson. “I would not say this game is must-win for Moyes – what he cannot afford to do is be beaten, because everyone recognises that Hull are going to be a bottom-six side and one of the Black Cats’ main relegation rivals,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Sunderland v Hull City?
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