Chris Sutton has given his verdict on the outcome of this weekend's clash between Sunderland and Spurs.
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Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Sunderland’s huge clash with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The Black Cats welcome Spurs to the Stadium of Light on Sunday in a clash with implications in multiple areas of the Premier League table. Sunderland are looking to build on their derby win over Newcastle United before the international break and keep their outside European qualification chances alive, while Tottenham are desperately battling against what would be a truly shocking relegation.
Sunderland have the superior league form, too, winning two of their last three matches and losing just one of their last four. By contrast, Spurs have sleepwalked into the relegation battle, going winless in 13 and taking just five points during that time - culminating in a devastating 3-0 loss at home to table rivals Nottingham Forest last time out.
Chris Sutton makes Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction
Predicting how Spurs will approach this game could prove to be very difficult, given it’s their first outing under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Indeed, Sutton believes there are many question marks surrounding the Italian’s arrival at an extremely vulnerable time for the Lilywhites.
“What is Roberto de Zerbi going to do with Tottenham and how will he set them up?” the former Blackburn Rovers striker mused in his BBC Sport predictions column.
“I've read about when he went in at Brighton and how Lewis Dunk says it took the Seagulls players a while to get up to speed, externalise and adapt to his demands.
“The whole situation is just odd, with De Zerbi securing a five-year contract despite only hanging around for more than two years at one of his previous eight clubs.
“Good luck to him, but this is a difficult place for him to start.”
Predicting a valuable 1-0 win for Sunderland, Sutton continued: “Sunderland's form at the Stadium of Light has dipped a bit since they lost their unbeaten home record against Liverpool in February, but the Black Cats will be buoyant after beating Newcastle last time out.
“If Spurs are going to play the type of football we associate with De Zerbi, they will be open and expansive, and take risks - but will they have the confidence to do that?
“Sunderland are the team that come into this game with belief. They've had a brilliant season and their incentive now must be to stay above Newcastle in the table.”