Sunderland and Brentford meet on Saturday, with this game shaping up as an important fixture in the seasons of both sides.
The Black Cats enjoyed an excellent return to the top flight, with a 3-0 win against West Ham United. However, results since that victory have brought the home side back down to reality with defeats against fellow promoted side Burnley and against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup in midweek. Sunderland's home form, away from the victory against West Ham United, has not been up to standard, as the home side has lost four of their last five competitive matches at the Stadium of Light, dating back to last season.
Brentford's performances have improved from their opening-day defeat against Nottingham Forest, as Keith Andrews' side has won their last two matches in all competitions with a solid 1-0 victory against Aston Villa and a 2-0 victory away at Bournemouth in the EFL Cup. Away from home last season, Brentford ended their league campaign picking up eight points from their final four games away from home.
This game will be particularly tense, given the potential ramifications for the upcoming season. However, with the Bees picking up momentum and having scored less than 2.5 goals in five of their last seven games involving Brentford, a 1-0 win for the visitors could be on the cards.
Sunderland 0-1 Brentford.
