Southampton vs Sunderland Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

• Date: 9 March, Saturday
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM (GMT)
• Stadium: St. Mary’s Stadium

Southampton vs Sunderland Preview: 

The Saints will take on Sunderland this weekend in the EFL Championship as they continue their hunt for a finish in the top 2 of the league. Southampton have stumbled recently in the league but returned to winning ways last week in their thrilling 4-3 win over Birmingham. With a game in hand, a victory against Sunderland could bolster their hopes of achieving direct promotion. Southampton will also be encouraged by the fact that Sunderland have struggled in the past few and a game away from home could further weaken them.

Visiting St. Mary’s stadium are Sunderland. Since the turn of the year, the residents of the Stadium of Light have fallen to a shocking seven defeats. Furthermore, out of these seven losses, five have been consecutive losses since February. The latest one came last week as Jamie Vardy’s Leicester City won the game 1-0. While Sunderland is unlikely to get relegated as they sit comfortably in 11th position, they definitely seem set to play next season in the EFL Championship. 

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Southampton vs Sunderland Team News:

Southampton:

The Saints have been extremely poor defensively recently as they conceded ten goals in their last four outings. However, Southampton will definitely take pride in their attacking prowess as they have been scoring consistently. This season in the league they have scored a whopping 69 goals in 35 matches with an impressive average of nearly two goals per game. However, injuries have been racking up and recently have slowed them down. 

On Saturday, Southampton will be without the services of right-back Kyle Walker-Peters. The youngster has had a promising campaign, but he unfortunately sustained a muscle injury last week. While he is already back training with the squad, it is unlikely that he will return in time for the Sunderland tie. Southampton will also rue the absence of Ryan Fraser. The loanee from Newcastle has been crucial to Southampton’s attack this season but suffered a knee injury in February. Ryan’s injury will sideline him till April. Unfortunate. 

Ross Stewart and Juan Larios continue to recover from their long-term injuries on the sidelines. 

Sunderland:

Sunderland’s woes have not just been defensive but in attack as well. However, one can’t attach too much blame to the tactics of the manager as he has been handed a pretty long injury list. Right-winger Patrick Roberts sustained a hamstring injury in February and has been ruled out till the end of March.

He will definitely miss the trip to Southampton. Sunderland’s main goal scorer Jack Clarke was having a sensational season in the Championship before his horrible ankle injury in February. His 15 goals in the league had helped Sunderland fans dream of finishing in a promotion play-off place. However, his injury will see him remain on the sidelines till April. 

Dennis Cirkin, Corry Evans, Bradley Duck, and Ajibola Alese are all nearing their return from their respective injuries, but won’t feature against Southampton. Niall Huggins continues to recover from his long-term injury. He is ruled out for the season.

Southampton vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups:

Southampton Lineup:

Gavin Bazunu (GK), Taylor Harwood Bellis, Jack Stephens (C), Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning, Joe Aribo, Shea Charles, Stuart Armstrong, David Brooks, Adam Armstrong, Che Adams

Sunderland Lineup:

Anthony Patterson (GK), Trai Hume, Jenson Seelt, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien (C), Leo Fuhr Hjelde, Chris Rigg, Pierre Ekwah, Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Luis Semedo 

Southampton vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Record:

In their 14 encounters since 2012, Southampton and Sunderland have given their all to secure victory. Southampton has won the tie four times, while Sunderland have managed to emerge victorious in five. Five fixtures ended in a draw. When the two sides met earlier in the season, Sunderland managed to shock The Saints with a 5-0 win. Southampton will be eager to destroy and ailing Sunderland at St.Mary’s Stadium. 

Last five results: 

• Sunderland 5-0 Southampton:- Championship – 2 September, 2023
• Sunderland 0-4 Southampton:- Premier League – 11 February, 2017
• Southampton 1-0 Sunderland:- EFL Cup – 27 October, 2016
• Southampton 1-1 Sunderland:- Premier League – 27 August, 2016
• Southampton 1-1 Sunderland:- Premier League – 5 March, 2016

Southampton vs Sunderland Prediction:

While Southampton aren’t exactly coming into the game at home in the best form, Sunderland’s form has been even more woeful. With so many crucial players missing for Sunderland, it is hard to imagine Southampton losing to a meek Sunderland.  On paper, Southampton looks in a comfortable position to beat Sunderland. However, if Sunderland manages to find inspiration to fight like they did earlier in the season, we could definitely see another upset. 

Predicted Score: Southampton 2-0 Sunderland

Southampton vs Sunderland Betting Tips and Odds:

Bookmakers expect Southampton to cruise to victory and score at least two goals on Saturday against Sunderland.

• Southampton win: 1.45
• Draw: 4.60
• Sunderland win: 6.40

Odds Source: Oddspedia.com

Bookmaker: Stake

Where to watch Southampton vs Sunderland:

• India: Fancode
• England: Sky Sports
• USA: ESPN+

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