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Plymouth lock horns with Sunderland on Saturday as the fifth round of matches in the EFL Championship beckons. The hosts are one of five winless sides in the Championship, while Sunderland are flying high at the other end of the standings.
Wayne Rooney's Plymouth are coming off a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City in their previous outing just before the international break. Million Manhoef's strike seven minutes from time sunk the Pilgrims.
With two points from four games, Plymouth are in the relegation zone - in 22nd place - as they await their first win of their league campaign.
Meanwhile, Regis Le Bris' Sunderland are fresh off a 3-1 win at Portsmouth in their last outing just before the international break. Sunderland led 3-0 just before the hour-mark before Luke O'Nien's late own goal proved to be a mere consolation for Portsmouth. The Black Cats are two points clear of West Bromwich Albion at the top.
On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips of the Plymouth-Sunderland Championship meeting at Home Park.
Plymouth vs Sunderland head-to-head and key numbers
- In 35 meetings across competitions, Sunderland lead Plymouth 20-10, including a 3-1 home win in the Championship in their last meeting in February this year.
- The Black Cats have won three of their last five home games in the fixture, losing one.
- Plymouth are winless in two home games across competitions but won their previous three.
- Sunderland have three wins and two losses in their last five road outings.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Plymouth: L-L-D-D-W; Sunderland: W-W-W-L-W
Plymouth vs Sunderland prediction
The two sides have had contrasting sides to their Championship campaigns. While Plymouth are still seeking their first league win under their legendary boss Wayne Rooney, the Black Cats are looking to become the first side in 20 years to win their opening five games in the second tier.
Sunderland have also dominated their head-to-head with Rooney's side, losing twice in nine league outings and winning six. Moreover, the Pilgrims have been goal-shy this season, with their two goals only one ahead of bottom-placed Cardiff (1).
Considering all these factors, anything but a win for the Black Cats would be a huge surprise.
Prediction: Plymouth 0-2 Sunderland
Plymouth vs Sunderland betting tips
Tip-1: Sunderland to win
Tip-2: Sunderland to keep a clean sheet: Yes (The Black Cats have had three shutouts in their last five games across competitions)
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals: Yes (Eleven of their last 12 meetings have had at least two goals)
