'I'm telling you now' - Gareth Ainsworth makes exciting Sunderland prediction but outlines squad flaw

Former Wycombe Wanderers and QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth believes Sunderland will challenge for a top-six spot this season but has also highlighted a flaw in Michael Beale's squad.

Ainsworth was on pundit duties for Sky Sports as Sunderland defeated Preston North End 2-0 at the Stadium of Light in the Championship on New Year's Day in front of 42,714 fans.

Alex Pritchard opened the scoring with a long-range effort and Nazariy Rusyn scored his first goal for the club just before half-time to give his side a commanding lead.

Preston dominated the second half but created few chances as Sunderland landed a clean sheet to leave Sunderland in sixth after Hull City lost against Sheffield Wednesday later that evening.

“They have got a big chance to be in and around the play-offs. I wouldn’t be expecting them to challenge for the top two but I certainly wouldn’t expect them to fall below 10th place.

“My big thing with Sunderland, and you mentioned it earlier in the show, is that they didn’t really get many chances in the second half and the depth, the subs that they were putting on probably aren’t of the calibre.

“There are some young boys there still learning their trade and still getting to grips with this so could that cost them? Not sure. There’s one or two returning from injury as well but I certainly expect Sunderland to be in and around the play-offs. Come that last game of the season, they will be in the mix, I’m telling you now."