Last time out...
Will got off to a flyer and claimed maximum points with a perfect prediction, with Phil not far behind for calling the 2-1 win over Wigan. The rest of us all picked up a point for the Lads taking all three points.
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...
Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Jack Diamond
I think we’ve got pretty decent strength in depth and it’ll be the reserve team that plays tonight against League Two opposition.
I expect Alex Pritchard to get a runout, but with his lack of pre-season, I’ll go for Jack Diamond, who will surely start the game, to grab the first goal in a routine victory for Lee Johnson’s men.
Malcolm Dugdale says...
Port Vale 0-4 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Jack Diamond
After a strong performance (not really reflected by the scoreline) versus Wigan, I can see a changed lads line up really going for it away to Port Vale.
I don’t give a monkeys if we go out of any cup we are involved in, to be honest, but given the starting XI’s performance on Saturday, and the likely resting of a number of players who will be needed for the trip to Milton Keynes, I am predicting a big win as cup players will want to push for first team places, and to be part of what is to come.
I’m backing Jack Diamond to dazzle upfront and get at least one goal. Grigg will likely feature too, and O’Brien, but Jack will be more hungry than the others put together to show the gaffer he deserves a start at MK Dons. Let’s unleash our squad on these lads with a select XI, and then get focused for another three points on Saturday.
Matthew Foster says...
Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton
It was a great win on Saturday, and a perfect way to start off the new season.
I suspect we’ll make numerous changes tonight, with the likes of Patterson likely to be utilised regularly in the cup competitions. Even though the Carabao Cup is the least of our concerns, I still expect a solid win against League Two Port Vale.
Plus, it would do our confidence no harm going into Saturday’s game against MK Dons. Two goals in each half and a first of the season for Embleton would do me nicely.
Jack Howe-Gingell says...
Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Alex Pritchard
I’m absolutely delighted we opened the season with a bang and I hope we can rotate some of the lads for this one.
I’m not expecting us to progress far in this competition, and Port Vale shouldn’t be a tough test. The League Two outfit finished 13th last season and I would be lying if I could tell you a lot about them. Former Manchester United prospect now possible plodder, James Wilson, started up front in their opening day defeat so perhaps he will threaten.
It’s a chance for more of the young players and those on the bench against Wigan (and some new signings, maybe?) to get some minutes. Hopefully, Alex Pritchard will get some valuable match time, and I’ll back him to get the first in a comfortable win for the lads.
Will Jones says...
Port Vale 0-3 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden O’Brien
One game, one Win. What a great start to the season.
I’m unsure if I care about the cup I can’t lie and so I hope we will rotate a lot midweek due to MK not having a midweek game, and therefore we will have a lot of travel and less rest.
Even though I believe this with the fringe, youth and Pritchard getting minutes I believe we will walk to victory midweek and hopefully see some minutes in the tank for the lads.
Martin Wanless says...
Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Will Grigg
I think there’ll be a number of changes for tonight’s game - while Johnson will want to get a winning run going I don’t think he’ll risk anyone unnecessarily. I expect the likes of Stewart, Gooch, Evans, Neil and Doyle to sit the game out ahead of MK Dons on Saturday, while Burge will likely give way to Patterson.
That means the likes of Pritchard, Grigg and Wright will be given games, and I’m backing the much-maligned Grigg to open the scoring and get his season off to a good start with the opener.
Chris Wynn says...
Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden O’Brien
Tough to guess how many changes Lee Johnson will make. Does he make wholesale changes or does he try and get more momentum with the majority of the XI who faced Wigan?
This will be low down on our priorities this season and I can certainly see a few changes, especially further up the pitch. I’m also picturing a comfortable evening with O’Brien getting us going.