Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle
EFL Championship
Saturday
10th February 2024
Stadium of Light
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Championship fixture between Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle.
Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle: Preview
Sunderland form analysis
The Black Cats made an excellent start to 2024 by beating Preston 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Pritchard and Rusyn. However, an inconsistent run followed as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Ipswich despite Clarke briefly putting Sunderland ahead. This surprise home loss was compounded by another disappointing result next time out as Hull won 1-0 at Sunderland through Carvalho’s second half strike.
Needing a response, Sunderland emphatically returned to winning ways against Stoke, dispatching them 3-1 thanks to goals from Burstow, Ba and a Seelt own goal, despite briefly letting their two goal lead slip. Most recently, Sunderland had to settle for a 1-1 away draw against playoff rivals Middlesbrough as Rusyn’s late equalizer secured them a point after going behind to Forss’ opener. By and large, it’s been a mixed beginning to 2024 for Sutherland who have battled for consistent outcomes since the promising success over Preston on New Year’s Day.
Plymouth Argyle form analysis
Plymouth Argyle have partaken in a phenomenal beginning to 2024 as they drive further up the mid-table. Subsequent to finishing 2023 with a tight 2-1 loss away to Southampton, Plymouth returned quickly on New Year’s Day in an undeniably exhilarating 3-3 home draw with Watford. Regardless of neglecting a lead multiple times, Hardie’s double and a Whittaker strike featured their going after danger. Plymouth based on that exhibition by retaliating to attract 1-1 away to Huddersfield, with Whittaker again mesh to offset Koroma’s opener.
Their form continued as they beat Cardiff 3-1 at home, thanks to a Hardie brace and a Whittaker goal sealing an impressive victory. Most recently, Plymouth ground out another excellent 1-0 away win against Swansea, with matchwinner Whittaker netting his 4th goal in Argyle’s unbeaten 2024 run. Overall, in-form attackers like Hardie and Whittaker are leading the charge. Argyle have emerged as serious contenders again under manager Ian Foster.
Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle: Prediction
Neither of these teams have exhibited a high level of prowess when it comes to the attacking front. Nor do these teams possess a terrible level of defending. Therefore, a high scoring game is not what I expect from this fixture.
The hosts have suffered just one defeat in their last six Championship home turf games. Their opponents meanwhile have registered just one win on the road since their return to the division. Hence the hosts are my pick to get the better of their opponents.
