Chris Sutton delivers score prediction for 'amazing' Sunderland clash vs 'Jekyll and Hyde' Brighton
Sunderland face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Chris Sutton has predicted that Sunderland will lose their Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats saw off bitter rivals Newcastle United in a full-blooded encounter at the Stadium of Light last weekend, and currently sit eighth in the table as a result. For their part, the Seagulls lie tenth, three points behind Regis Le Bris’ men and winless in their last three outings.
But in his pre-match predictions column for BBC Sport, Sutton has backed Fabian Hurzeler’s men to return to winning ways at the Amex Stadium.
What did Chris Sutton say about Brighton and Hove Albion vs Sunderland?
Looking ahead to the fixture, Sutton said: “Sunderland are an amazing team, and winning last week's Wear-Tyne derby is just the latest high for them in what has been an a brilliant season. The Black Cats are on 26 points after 16 games, and have already beaten Leicester's total from 38 games last season - they were relegated with 25 points in 18th place.
“That's an extraordinary achievement. I know they are losing a few players to AFCON, but that would only be a big problem if they were languishing near the bottom of the table. Instead this just feels like an opportunity for the players coming in to try to maintain their momentum. Regis Le Bris and his team will be full of confidence too, although this is a tricky trip for them to the south coast.
“Brighton are a real Jekyll and Hyde side at the moment, but I always feel they will do well at home - they have only lost once there this season. I watched the Seagulls at Anfield last week. They should have scored at 0-0, but didn't... and lost. This time? My instinct still tells me to go with Brighton at Amex Stadium, but Sunderland are going to push them very close.”
Sutton has opted for a 1-0 Brighton win.
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What has Regis Le Bris said ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Brighton?
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Sunderland boss Le Bris provided a shock injury update, revealing that long-term absentee Habib Diarra could feature in his matchday squad before jetting off to the African Cup of Nations with Senegal in the coming days.
He explained: “He [Diarra] might be with us for Brighton and then it will be end of his rehab process. If it’s all positive, he will be able to leave for his national team [next week]. Everyone else in their squads has departed.”
On the challenge Brighton will pose to his side, Le Bris added: “They are good, strong side. Many individual and collective threats. Impressive in possession, strong pressing team. Really intense, pace and power. Exciting challenge for us, once again.”
Your next Sunderland read: The confirmed Brighton and Sunderland team and injury news with fourteen players ruled out