Sunderland face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday on afternoon
Pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have made their predictions for Sunderland’s Premier League match against Burnley this weekend, with neither expecting the Black Cats will win all three points.
Regis Le Bris’ men made a fantastic return to life in the top level last time out, soundly beating West Ham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light to temporarily go to the top of the standings after an eight-year hiatus from the competition.
Burnley, for their part, were relegated after losing by the same margin away to Tottenham Hotspur, and will undoubtedly be eager to match the score with their visitors on Saturday afternoon with a win of their own.
And, while Merson and Sutton may disagree on the exact conclusion of Sunderland’s visit to Turf Moor, both believe the Clarets will get off to a good start.
What have Paul Merson and Chris Sutton said about Sunderland’s trip to Burnley this weekend?
Merson told Sportskeeda that he expects the hosts to win by a slim margin of 1-0. He said, “What a tremendous game coming up here. I’m looking at this one and I think Burnley has to win; they can’t lose points again this weekend! Sunderland competed as a team against West Ham. I must admit that I wasn’t sure if they’d click right immediately, especially after so many signings. However, their group has a strong feeling of unity, which could be important throughout the season.
“I’m not convinced Sunderland can build on their impressive start to the season with another win here. I like Burnley at home, and I believe they will get three points to equal Sunderland and Leeds in the points rankings.”
Sutton also predicts that Sunderland will drop points on their travels, with the two newly promoted sides drawing 1-1. Speaking with BBC Sport, he said: “I wrote Sunderland off months ago at the end of last season, but they surprised me last week with a hell of a win against West Ham.” Eliezer Mayenda and Dan Ballard’s headers were spectacular, and they deserved to win.
“Burnley had opportunities against Tottenham but failed not seize them. They’ll need to establish themselves early in the season. This one stinks like a draw. I believe it will be close, and Burnley will want more, but Sunderland will be happy with their start.”
It’s not all terrible news for Sunderland, either. In his TNT Sports score prediction, ex-Black Cats striker Ally McCoist backed his former side to continue their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 victory on the road.
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