Ex-EFL striker backs Sunderland to rediscover key trait that 'deserted them' against Watford vs Derby County
Sunderland host Derby in the Championship on Tuesday evening.
Former EFL striker Sam Parkin has tipped Sunderland to get “back to winning ways” when they play Derby County at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.
The Black Cats came unstuck against Watford at the weekend, losing 2-1 at Vicarage Road having dragged themselves level in the contest courtesy of Wilson Isidor’s first goal for the club. That result prevented Regis Le Bris side from moving back to the top of the table, but as things stand, they head into a busy week on Wearside in an automatic promotion spot.
Following on from Derby’s visit in midweek, Leeds United will travel to the North East on Friday night, and Parkin is of the belief that Sunderland will go into that clash buoyed by three points against the Rams.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Speaking on the Championship Check-In podcast, the ex-Chelsea and Ipswich Town forward said: “Sunderland, back-to-back away defeats, but probably would feel they deserve something from the game at Watford. Just that final little bit of quality maybe deserted them. I will go for them to get back to winning ways, three goals to one.”
For their part, Derby have suffered a slight dip in form in recent weeks having lost consecutive outings against Sheffield United and Norwich City. That latter defeat came about under contentious circumstances, with the Canaries scoring a goal after the ball had clearly gone out of play in the build-up.
Speaking to local press about the controversy, Rams boss Paul Warne said: "The officials are pretty close to it for the first one aren't they. I am disappointed they haven't seen it. But they can only give what they see. That was frustrating. I know there is a lot of skulduggery and panto in football, but at every level, you know something is wrong by the players' reactions. Nobody complained about the second goal, not that they could, because there was nothing to complain about.
“But I just knew at the time, and I can rewind situations by 15 or 30 seconds, but that plays a big part of the game. I just feel a bit sorry for my team. They gassed out, they gave everything and they are a great group. They played with courage. Everyone says it evens itself out and I am looking forward to that happening."