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...

Phil Butler says...

Wigan Athletic 0-3 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Nathan Broadhead

We may be below tonight's opponents in the league, but if both sides play heavily rotated teams then Sunderland should be huge favourites.

Aiden O'Brien showed our depth by grabbing a hat trick in the last round, so I'm backing Nathan Broadhead to grab a goal or two today as he attempts to get himself in the league side

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Malcolm Dugdale says...

Wigan Athletic 0-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Leon Dajaku

I’m not really bothered if we lose this game and drop out of the cup, but equally, it would be good to see a response to the disappointment of dropped points at Fleetwood.

I’m hoping that Leon Dajaku gets an hour and shows what he can do with a first goal, and if we can get a second we really need to see what the coach does to hold onto that or build on it, not let it slip. I think Alves will play a part tonight as a result.

This is a league game dress rehearsal for the fringe and subs players to stake a claim, after an away day that didn’t quite go to plan.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Matthew Foster says...

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Sunderland

(Wigan to win on pens)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Leon Dajaku

I fully expect wholesale changes tonight, with this second XI we have at our disposal to start the game. Whilst I hate losing, I wouldn’t be averse to being knocked out, even if it will bring a significant amount of gloating from the Wigan fans.

I’d really like to get a glimpse of Dajaku tonight, even if it comes from the bench. And hopefully, he can bag a debut goal in front of the mad lot travelling down to DW Stadium on a Tuesday night!

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Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Leon Dajaku

I’m hoping we’ll rotate and get a few lads some much-needed minutes, particularly Broadhead, Alves, Huggins and Dajaku. Wigan appear to be currently in the midst of trying to make us think we actually care about them, when in reality they’re just another League One club.

They’re in decent form but expect the wizards to take the result and put us in the next round.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Will Jones says...

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Alex Pritchard

After a disappointing final ten minutes this weekend, the team will almost certainly want to bounce back immediately so that they can show we are the best team in this division. There is no reason to dwell on this result, we used to draw every week and this season it took 7 games to get our first draw. All is still well.

I believe we will rotate heavily, and even so will be dominant. Wigan are a team full of confidence and are getting stronger every game. However, I feel there is a point where a better team will once again put them in our place. I believe Tuesday we will do that.

With the ability to enter the last 16 I am excited by this game and believe it should be treated like a league game. The top two fighting it out to be looked at as if the best in the division. A strong performance and a good win will do this.

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Martin Wanless says...

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Sunderland

(Sunderland to win on pens)

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Nathan Broadhead

It’s a very difficult game to predict as while we have a fair inkling Lee Johnson will name a heavily changed team, we don’t really know how Wigan will approach the game - however, it’s realistic to imagine Wigan will rotate to some degree, too.

Nathan Broadhead's pretty much guaranteed to start, and I’m going for him to get our goal in a 1-1 draw - meaning penalties, of course!

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Chris Wynn says...

Wigan Athletic 2-1 Sunderland

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Alex Pritchard

This just feels like one of those ties away from home that you actually start caring with the thought of getting into the last 16 and what might happen next - and then you get knocked out in a smelly scruffy game on a damp night in the north west.