Pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton are in agreement that Sunderland will bounce back from their recent setback and defeat Burnley at the Stadium of Light this Monday.
The gulf between the two sides in the Premier League standings is significant. Sunderland currently holds an 18-point lead over the Clarets, who are sitting eight places lower and are fighting a desperate battle against relegation. While Scott Parker’s Burnley side has managed respectable draws against “Big Six” clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Spurs recently, they remain 10 points away from safety and haven’t secured a win since October.
Paul Merson’s Analysis
Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson attributed Sunderland’s recent 3-1 loss to West Ham—their first time being “completely outplayed” this year—to the absence of Granit Xhaka. He highlighted the midfielder’s massive influence on the team’s rhythm.
Despite acknowledging that Burnley is a competitive side, Merson pointed to Sunderland’s formidable home record: they are the only Premier League team yet to lose at home this season. He expects a convincing response from the Black Cats.
- Merson’s Prediction: Sunderland 3-1 Burnley
Chris Sutton’s Perspective
In his BBC Sport column, Sutton was blunter about Burnley’s prospects, suggesting the club is likely headed for the Championship. He noted their “great spirit” in the recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham but emphasized that spirit isn’t enough when you can’t turn leads into three points.
Sutton warned that if Xhaka remains sidelined, it would be a “big blow” for Régis Le Bris’ side. However, he finds it hard to imagine Sunderland dropping points at home against a team that has only managed three victories all season.
- Sutton’s Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Burnley
Match Fact-Sheet
| Statistic | Sunderland | Burnley |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | Upper Mid-Table (European contention) | Relegation Zone (10pts from safety) |
| Home Record | Unbeaten at home this season | 1 win since October |
| Previous Meeting | Lost to Burnley in August | Defeated |
