Score Predictions: Can Sunderland turn it around?

Last Time Out...

Nobody saw a two-nil deficit coming our way and only Martin, at the foot of our table predicted we’d draw a blank. Doesn’t mean much at the bottom but at the top Jack and Matthew are still in with a shout of getting bragging rights if this our last game of the season.

Let’s find out if our panel back us today as we review this round of predictions...

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Philip Butler Predicts...

Score Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Lincoln City

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Despite having little faith in a Sunderland comeback I do think a Lincoln win is the least likely of the three possible results.

Unfortunately I don’t fancy us to keep a clean sheet either which means we need to score 4 to go through without the lottery of penalties, or three to get a second chance - I don’t fancy is to do either.

As for goalscorers, we need more goals so Johnson could decide to stick two up top meaning Ross Stewart should get a chance to make his first big impression since joining in January, a play-off hat trick from the big Scot would a perfect antidote to Wednesday’s horror show

Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Matthew Foster Predicts...

Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Lincoln City

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Whilst the chances of a second leg turnaround are not entirely improbable, even the more optimistic fan will have already began to mentally prepare themselves for a fourth season in League One.

I suspect, in what would be typical Sunderland fashion, we will score an early goal, inspire hope, to be ultimately left wanting at the end.

But if we are to do it, we will need an atmosphere reminiscent of that against Sheffield Utd in 1998, where 10,000 will need to amplify their noise fourfold.

I don’t have a ticket, so will be watching from the comfort of my sitting room.

And I can only hope and pray Sunderland surprise us all and perform the greatest of all comebacks.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Jack Howe-Gingell Predicts...

Score Prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Lincoln City

(Sunderland win on penalties)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden McGeady

A disappointing first leg will likely lead to further disappointment in the home tie, but I’m trying to be optimistic seeing as I actually have a ticket to go, and I will need to be there 45-90 minutes prior to kick off! Best get hoping!

I’m dreaming of Gus Poyet level of miracle and in all honesty, despite how we played, Lincoln only scored due to our defensive ineptitude. They are nothing special and if we could just get the basics right I’d give us a chance to claw it back.

We need to play with a swagger and some aggression, but not overboard. Lincoln showed their propensity to counter quickly so we cannot afford to leave ourselves exposed.

Ha’way Sunderland man, pull it out the bag for once.

Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

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Will Jones Predicts...

Score Prediction: Sunderland 4-2 Lincoln City

(Lincoln win on penalties)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Jordan Jones

Why not?

Lee Johnson said we would go attacking from the off and the squad know this may be their last game for us in an SAFC top. They should be giving their all.

I’m hoping with the fans baring down on the Lincoln players and an early goal, the momentum could be a deadly thing and everything could just become a goal fest. I believe we have what it takes to take this tie to an extra 30 minutes, but I believe that they will get their revenge from the penalty spot.

Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

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Martin Wanless Predicts...

Score Prediction: Sunderland 5-0 Lincoln City

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Ha’way the lads. Fans back in, the lads will have to go for it from the off won’t they?

With Big Ross Stewart starting ahead of Stationary Charlie Wyke, Maguire in for McGeady, and Diamond in for Jones, Sunderland will be three up at half time - and as Lincoln are forced to attack in the second half we’ll catch them with 2 devastating counter attacks.

Welcome back.

Dreaming? Of course. You can assess the probability of this prediction coming off by taking a glance at the league table above.

But we’ve got to go all out and give it absolutely everything.

Simply, that’s all we ask.