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Current standings...

How the points are awarded...

Just a quick reminder on how we allocate points to our match-by-match predictions:

Correct score = 3 points
Correct outcome (but not correct score) = 1 point
Correct first Sunderland goalscorer = 1 point
Possible deductions for being lazy and not submitting = to be decided

We also have our League One predictions here that went out on the site before the season began. We’ll keep an eye on these as we go along because, at the end of the season, this will come back into play when each correctly placed side adds five points to that person’s tally.

This week’s predictions...

Explain yourself...

Phil Butler says...

Gillingham 0-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

It seems like ages ago since we were washed away down at Portsmouth, but a couple of good wins for very young sides in the Papa John's trophy has done a little to lift the mood on Wearside, so a win today would banish the Portsmouth defeat from recent memory.

Gillingham wouldn't be push overs, and their direct game will be a challenge for our young back line, but we should have enough quality to get the job done, with Elliot Embleton looking to celebrate his new contract with a goal.

Malcolm Dugdale says...

Gillingham 1-4 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

The Gills have had a tough time of late, with a poor points return across games home and away, and their last home game being a 2-0 loss to our mates up top, Wigan.

I can see a real league bounce back coming after that sorry affair that should never have been played on the south coast, and if that comes off I sort of feel a bit sorry for Gillingham, because if we do click, as we did against Cheltenham, we are capable of scoring 5 or more goals.

I’m picking Embo to open our account to celebrate his recent commitment to the club through his contract extension. Stewart will be too much for these lot up front and it is highly likely for me that Elliot will be on the edge of the box to dispatch one of his sweet finishes, to put a cherry on his contract extension cake.

Time to get back to winning habits in the league after doing that in the cup. Ha’way lads, smash this lot.

Sunderland v Accrington Stanley - Sky Bet League One

Matthew Foster says...

Gillingham 0-3 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

It’s a long time since the horror show on the South Coast, but Gillingham present a perfect opportunity to well and truly put it behind us.

They’ve had a difficult start, with only two wins out of twelve matches so far. Barring the Portsmouth game, we’ve been excellent throughout the season and I can only see this going one way. I reckon we’ll be comfortable before half time and then dispel any notion of a late comeback by adding a third in the second half.

Your guess is as good as mine as to who scores first (I’m not used to having more than one goalscorer) but I’ll default to the Highland Haaland to break the deadlock!

Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Gillingham 1-3 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

After our last crushing defeat in the quagmire of Fratton Park, we have managed back to back wins in the Papa John’s Trophy, but the real work starts again on Saturday.

Gillingham will likely play a direct game, with strong forwards such as John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver. Thankfully, talisman Jordan Graham has left for Birmingham, and this can be seen in their lowly league position.

They will likely provide a test with their style of play but two of our promotion rivals in Wigan and Wycombe have beaten them comfortably 2-0 in their last two games, and we must do the same. Ross Stewart to send us on our way and back to winning ways in the League.

Sunderland v Cheltenham Town - Sky Bet League One