Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Sunderland AFC
Sunderland face bottom-of-the-league Wolves on Saturday in the Premier League, as they look to bounce back from last week’s 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the Stadium of Light.
The Last Five Matches…
In their last five matches, Sunderland have won two and lost three, and sit 12th in the league, with victories over local rivals Newcastle, with a last-minute Brian Brobbey winner, and Spurs after Nordi Mukiele’s deflected goal.
Wolves have lost three out their last five games; however, managed to overcome league champions, Liverpool at Molineux with a 2-1 win, with also gaining a point against Brentford.
Their three losses came against West Ham, Leeds and Spurs.
What does a win mean to these teams?
Sunderland look to bounce back after the defeat at home against Forest. A win could see them move back up to eighth – and back in contention for European football.
The Black Cats have won their last two league games against Wolves and are looking to complete the double over them for the first time since 1949-50.
Wolves simply have nothing to lose after their relegation being confirmed. But, if Wolves were to win this match, it means that they go level points with relegation rival Burnley.
Rob Edwards’ side will aim to try and end the season on a high after a long season full of lows, going into the Championship hoping to bounce straight back up the Premier League.
Head to Head…
Wolves are unbeaten in their last seven home league games against Sunderland winning three and drawing four.
This is the first time they’ve hosted the Black Cats since a 0-0 draw in the Championship in December 2017.
Sunderland have kept a clean sheet in their last four league games against Wolves, a run stretching back to April 2012.
Furthermore, Wolves have lost all four of their Premier League games against promoted sides this season.
Team News…
Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Jocelin Ta Bi could be potentially fit and back for selection against Wolves, after being injured in his first Premier League start against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Romain Mundle are all not fit to feature in this weekend’s match.
Sam Johnstone has been ruled out until the end of the season for Wolves after a shoulder injury, with also Czech centre-back Ladislav Krejci looks doubtful to make an appearance against the Black Cats after a back injury.
Yerson Mosquera looks to come straight back into the team after missing the last two games through suspension.
Starting XI…
Wolves: Sa, Doherty, Bueno (4), Gomes (24), Lima, Gomes (8), Andre, Bueno (3), Gomes(21), Mane, Armstrong
Sunderland: Roefs, Ballard, Mukiele, Reinildo, Alderete, Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi, Brobbey, Rigg
