'Make a statement' – Bristol City vs Sunderland Prediction: The72

16/04/2025 03:18

Sunderland head to Bristol City on Good Friday in a potential pre-run of a play-off clash takes place with 5th facing 4th.

Sunderland have had a great season but with just four games remaining they have nothing to play for in the league. With a 12-point gap to the automatic spots as well as the sides below them, SAFC are nearly nailed on to finish 4th.

The Black Cats have hit a stumbling block in terms of performances recently. A 3-0 defeat to Coventry City sparked warning signs but then back-to-back wins against playoff-chasing Millwall and West Brom eased those worries.

However, last week they drew 0-0 with Norwich City before losing 1-0 at home to Swansea City on Saturday. SAFC were very poor on both occasions and need to step it up going into the play-offs.

As for Bristol City, they are in great form going into this game. They have lost just one of their last five, and that was a 1-0 loss to Burnley.

The Robins have beaten Norwich City, West Brom and Watford recently, all sides who were around the top six spots. As things stand, they would be the form side going into the play-offs.

Liam Manning’s side did drop points in their last outing, drawing 1-1 with QPR last weekend. City will be desperate to put on a good showing against Sunderland and get back to winning ways.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Charlie Hodgson

“This is a very big game for Sunderland in my opinion. It’s a great chance to make a statement after a run of poor performances.

“Bristol City though will be thinking the same thing. If they can get a win over Sunderland, they get the upper hand psychologically ahead of a likely play-off clash.

“With that said, I do think Bristol City will win this game. I think they will be too intense for SAFC, who are really struggling right now.”

Prediction: Bristol City 2-0 Sunderland

James Ray

“It just feels like there’s something different about this Bristol City this year. Powered on by fine home form and a brilliant team spirit, they’ve hit their stride at the perfect time.

“Sunderland meanwhile are heading for the play-offs, but performances are going a little flat and you just wonder if having their place wrapped up early will end up hindering them.

“It is certainly impacting performances in the now, but it all comes down to the play-offs ultimately.

“With eyes on the present though, it’s hard not to go for a Bristol City win over SAFC.”

Prediction: Bristol City 2-1 Sunderland

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