Last time out...

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Current standings...

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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.

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This week’s predictions...

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Explain yourself...

Malcolm Dugdale says...

Sunderland 2-1 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

I can see a young side running out and as Embo has struggled to return to early form, he may well captain the side to get his minutes up and his touch back. The lads may well take a little while to get out of the blocks but I think even our second string will have enough to win by an odd goal.

Main thing for me is no injuries, as our squad is already looking shabby, so a good run out, result doesn’t really matter other than restoring confidence, but no more lads on the physio table please.

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Matthew Foster says...

Sunderland 1-0 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Will Harris

In a repeat of last years FA Cup encounter, we face Nigel Clough's struggling Mansfield side.

I expect us to field our youth, with a few first-teamers thrown into the mix. And let's be honest, they will probably fare better than the more experienced have in our last two games.

I'm predicting a dour game with little entertainment, but reckon we'll reverse last years scoreline with Will Harris popping up with the goal.

Photo by Will Matthews/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Sunderland 2-0 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Leon Dajaku

We could really do with a confident win after a series of desperate results. Mansfield are toward the bottom of League Two and we really need to be dominating and putting them to the sword with ease.

I’d expect to see a bit of rotation as perhaps Johnson will consider his options to arrest our current poor form, but any side we put out should be winning this with ease.

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Will Jones says...

Sunderland 2-1 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden O’Brien

I believe LJ will rest everyone and play a very young team. We cannot take anymore knocks, get everyone rested and learning, just take it with a light heart and give the youngsters a chance to prove themselves

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Martin Wanless says...

Sunderland 4-0 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Nathan Broadhead

We need a bounce after two horrible performances and results, and hopefully this game will provide it. The pressure's off, and I imagine Lee Johnson will change the side around considerably.

One of the players I simply wouldn't risk is Ross Stewart – he needs to be given a rest – and I expect Nathan Broadhead to be given a start to build up his fitness. I'm going for Broadhead to get the opener in a convincing 4-0 win.

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Chris Wynn says...

Sunderland 2-1 Mansfield Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Leon Dajaku

Mansfield will be up for this, just as they were last year, so it’s a case of having faith that we are able to lift ourselves enough to find a win.

I don’t think it will be pretty on a cold November day in front of a low crowd but we should be in the pot for the next round.

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