Don Goodman makes Sunderland vs Brighton prediction
Ex-Sunderland striker Don Goodman predicts the Black Cats' Premier League clash with Brighton.
Don Goodman has made his prediction for Sunderland’s Premier League clash against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats hit the 40-point mark with nine games to spare when they beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road last week, and even the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to League One side Port Vale in the FA Cup has struggled to dampen spirits too much. But it won’t be an easy task on Saturday against a Brighton side just three points behind Sunderland in the table, only losing 1-0 against leaders Arsenal last time out, following consecutive wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
Don Goodman makes Sunderland vs Brighton prediction
Former Sunderland striker Goodman - who netted 40 goals in 116 league appearances for the Black Cats between 1991 and 1994 - believes home advantage could be key for Regis Le Bris’ side.
Even after losing their last two at the Stadium of Light against Liverpool (0-1) and Fulham (1-3), Sunderland are sixth in the Premier League on home form, while Brighton are 16th on away form with just three wins from 14 away from the Amex Stadium.
What’s more, Sunderland managed a 0-0 draw away at Brighton back in December, even outperforming the Seagulls 1.38 to 1.13 when it came to expected goals, according to FotMob.
“Sunderland have to be confident against Brighton; they have such a strong home record at the Stadium of Light this season," Goodman told the Sunderland Echo via IgnitionCasino. "Sunderland's organisation, resilience and fighting spirit will no doubt be on show against Brighton.
"I do like Brighton, I like the way they play, but they are one of those teams that you struggle to predict their results because they can be so inconsistent. Sometimes they can be so good in matches but not hurt an opponent.
"They're very pleasing on the eye [Brighton] and you don’t often get a terrible performance from them, but they don’t always win matches that they should.
"I back Sunderland in the game; it will be tight. One goal in it, I’m going to go 1-0 Sunderland.”
A win on Saturday afternoon could see Sunderland climb as high as eighth in the Premier League table, depending on how results go elsewhere, while this match will serve as vital preparation for the Black Cats’ trip to arch-rivals Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.