Sunderland vs Brentford Prediction: Black Cats can land another home win

Sunderland's feet were brought firmly back to ground last week as they were beaten by fellow promoted side Burnley in the Premier League. The Black Cats return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday (15:00 BST) as they play host to Brentford.

The Bees responded to their opening day defeat at Nottingham Forest by beating Aston Villa 1-0 last time out on home soil. Below you will find my Sunderland vs Brentford predictions, featuring the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Sunderland are having to cope without defender Dan Ballard, who scored against West Ham on the opening weekend, due to a groin issue he picked up at Burnley last week. He is not set to be back until after the September international break.

Luke O'Nien, Aji Alese (both shoulder), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Hjelde (calf) and Romain Mundle (thigh) are the other members in the medical bay.

There are also doubts surrounding Niall Huggins' involvement on Saturday as he was forced off with a groin problem in the midweek Carabao Cup tie with Huddersfield Town.

Nordi Mukiele made his Black Cats debut in that game and he could be set for his Premier League bow against Brentford.

Teenager Chris Rigg has signed a new contract with the club which is a signal of the club's intent.

Brentford are still waiting to resolve Yoane Wissa's situation with the forward desperate to make a switch to Newcastle United before the transfer window closes. The Bees have already splashed out a club-record fee on Dango Ouattara but they are still waiting for their valuation for Wissa to be met by Newcastle.

The visitors have several injury concerns of their own heading into Saturday's match. Frank Onyeka (knock), Yunus Konak, Vitaly Janelt (both ankle), Gustavo Nunes and Paris Maghoma (both thigh) are all doubtful for the weekend, while Wissa is not set to be involved again.

Igor Thiago should lead the line again as a result, with support from Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara.

Sunderland vs Brentford Odds

Sunderland won their first home game of the season and they are 2/1 (which has an implied probability of 33.3%) to win this contest.

One of their past three competitive matches on home soil have ended in a stalemate and the draw is priced at 23/10.

Brentford have won two matches in a row across all competitions and they are 11/8 to come away with the three points.

Four of the Bees' last six fixtures in the Premier League have seen both teams find the net - and BTTS is marketed at 4/5.

Sunderland to win @ 2/1

Sunderland were clinical as they breezed past West Ham in their first match back in the top flight two weeks ago. They were then humbled a week later at Burnley but it was a side that had a stellar home record in the Championship last term.

The Black Cats will be hoping for more home joy when they take on Brentford at the weekend. They were brilliant against West Ham so this is going to be a tough place for the Bees to visit.

The supporters will create an intense atmosphere that should help the players through the gears, while it may stop Brentford from getting into a rhythm. The SOL was a fortress for Regis Le Bris' side last term, as they lost just 17% (4/23) of their Championship fixtures here. This will be key for them in their bid for survival and I reckon they can get the better of another London outfit on Wearside.

Both teams to score @ 4/5

While their victory over West Ham was deemed comfortable, I don't think this clash with Brentford will unfold in the same way. Sunderland were sent packing from the Carabao Cup on penalties against Huddersfield in midweek and before that they lost to Burnley.

Their confidence has taken a knock in the past week, while Brentford have gained some with wins against Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth in the league and cup respectively.

The west London club head to the North East with a bit of a trend as four of their previous six matches in the Premier League have featured BTTS, including their last away trip at Nottingham Forest.

I may think they will fall to defeat against Sunderland but I think at the very least they can get on the scoresheet.

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