Watford vs Sunderland Prediction: 10/1 for in-form Black Cat to strike first

Sunderland have made a simply staggeringly good start to the new Championship campaign and currently sit second in the league after five wins from six under Regis Le Bris. The Black Cats’ next test comes at Vicarage Road where they face Watford (15:00, Saturday). 

The Hornets have also had a positive start to the season, given many expected them to struggle this term. Tom Cleverley looks to be a capable young manager and has impressed in his first few months in charge of the club. They were unfortunate to lose to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last time out, but will turn their attention back to league action here. 

Below you can find my Watford vs Sunderland prediction, featuring team news and betting tips.

Team News

Daniel Bachmann has suffered a muscle injury and will miss this game, with Jonathan Bond likely to be called upon in his absence. Francisco Sierralta is still out but could return after the next international break, while there are calls for Kwadwo Baah to start up front after impressing at Man City. 

Football Odds

Aaron Conolly has joined Sunderland this week as a free agent and could feature in the squad, but there won’t be too many changes from a team that is settled. Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil are a settled midfield trio, while Romaine Mundle is emerging as the perfect Jack Clarke replacement on the left wing. Jenson Seelt and Ajibola Alese remain out injured. 

Watford vs Sunderland Odds

Watford are priced at 9/5, with Sunderland available at 7/5 to take another three points. A draw can be backed at 13/5, BTTS is 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is 10/11. 

Sunderland to win @ 7/5

In my eyes, we are getting good odds here for Sunderland to win this game. They have been so good this season and have already proved themselves to be promotion contenders. Le Bris has taken to the English game like a duck to water and he is now getting the best out of some of the finest young players in the league. 

Rigg took the headlines after his backheel winner against Middlesbrough last time out, and his partnership with 19-year-old Bellingham is a combination of two terrific teenagers. Sunderland have a lot about them right now, and Watford are statistically overperforming right now. I think the Black Cats will show their class once again.

Romain Mundle to score first @ 10/1

After joining from Standard Liege in February this year, Mundle showed glimpses last term but has flown this season, with more gametime. The loss of Clarke was expected to hamper Sunderland, but the 21-year-old has taken up the mantle, with three goals in six league matches so far from the left. 

With Sunderland’s attacking threat, I am surprised to see Mundle priced so highly to open the scoring, especially given the fact that he has found the net in three of his last four games. A massive price, and one I feel offers excellent value for this Championship fixture. 

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