David Prutton makes score prediction for Sunderland's big game against Simon Grayson's Blackpool

Simon Grayson’s time at Sunderland can’t exactly be described as happy, and he faces another manager enduring a torrid time at the Stadium of Light in Phil Parkinson.

Grayson’s Blackpool side are flying-high in the League One play-off positions as things stand, and would do serious damage to Sunderland’s promotion aspirations with a victory.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United midfielder David Prutton featured the game in his weekly predictions column, and he is forecasting a bleak day for Sunderland against their former gaffer,

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It seems like Sunderland have taken a step backwards under Phil Parkinson, who just hasn't got them going since replacing Jack Ross. They are slipping away from the top six right now, let alone the top two.

“Blackpool are firmly embedded in the play-offs and are under a great run of form. Simon Grayson would love to get one over his former club and I think he'll do just that.

“Prutton predicts: 0-2.”

If Prutton is incorrect and Sunderland do manage to pull off a win, then the Mackems would move to within three points of Grayson’s side.

Before today’s games Sunderland are in 11th place, with only 26 points from their 18 games so far this season.