Sunderland face Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Chris Sutton has tipped Sunderland to bounce back from their humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest last weekend by beating relegated Wolves on Saturday afternoon - but fellow pundit Paul Merson is not so sure.

The Black Cats suffered their heaviest loss of the season at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening, falling four goals behind in the first half to a side who are still in the midst of their own battle to avoid the drop.

Regis Le Bris’ men will have an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways when they come up against Wolves at Molineux, however, with Wanderers already down and out having spent the vast majority of the campaign rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.

And to that end, Sutton is of the belief that Sunderland will have enough about them to earn a valuable three points in the West Midlands.

What has Chris Sutton said about Wolves vs Sunderland?

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I'm maybe being foolish here but I am backing Sunderland to respond after their shocker at home to Nottingham Forest last time out. Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris would have been 'Regis Le Bristle' after that woeful home display, and his team looked like they were on the beach.

“To continue the maritime theme, Wolves have looked like a fish out of water for most of this Premier League campaign. They come into this game off the back of three straight defeats without managing a goal, and I can see them floundering again here.” Sutton has forecast a 1-0 Sunderland win.

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What has Paul Merson said about Wolves vs Sunderland?

For his part, however, Merson has taken a dimmer view of the Black Cats’ prospects. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: “I didn't see that coming for Sunderland. Them losing 5-0 at home to Nottingham Forest was not on the cards for me. It was like they were at the beach!

“Sunderland had a lot to play for in that game. If they had won, they would be above Chelsea in eighth. Now the loss has pulled them down to 12th in the table. So I was quite surprised they were not at the races in that game.

“Wolves need to get some wins now. They did well to beat the lowest points tally but after the international break last month, they have been very poor. There are only two home games left for them. It is important to send the fans off with a good feeling in their hearts before they return for the Championship campaign next season.

“I'm not sure Sunderland are really looking to qualify for Europe. They have avoided relegation and if they suddenly have to play Thursdays next season, they could be dragged back into the relegation battle. I just have a feeling they will settle for a place outside the European qualification spots. Backing Wolves to get the win in this one”.

Merson, in direct contrast to Sutton, has predicted a 1-0 Wolves victory. The last meeting between the two sides, back in mid-October, ended in a 2-0 Sunderland win at the Stadium of Light.

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