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...

Sunderland 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden McGeady

After a comprehensive victory in midweek with a heavily rotated side, the starters for today's game should have an extra kick up the arse to perform well.

Aiden McGeady and Lynden Gooch are both under pressure for their places in the starting line up as Broadhead, Pritchard and Dajaku all looked promising at Wigan. Hopefully this extra impetus will get the best from Aiden McGeady and last season's talisman can grab the opening goal in a routine victory.

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Malcolm Dugdale says...

Sunderland 3-0 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

After a second-string masterclass versus Wigan away, we are going to smash the Wanderers and get back to top of the pile.

Embleton had a quiet cameo at Wigan so will get back to his creative ways with our opening goal. Evans will continue the clean sheet, and we will all be happy come 5pm Saturday.

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

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Matthew Foster says...

Sunderland 3-2 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

I feel like we're in for an entertaining game today, against a side who have already had three games where six or more goals were scored!

I wouldn't want to be Johnson picking his starting XI, as there were plenty of players on Tuesday who gave a very good account of themselves. I think he may revert to our usual League One starters, but I'm sensing our strong bench will be enough to edge past a decent Bolton side.

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Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Sunderland 3-1 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Back after another Carabao Cup triumph, I’m predicting we’ll get back to winning ways after the disappointing draw with Fleetwood last week.

Lee Johnson has a dilemma after some good performances in the week against Wigan, and wonder if he will make any changes with Dajaku, Huggins and Pritchard all impressing. The return of Tom Flanagan will be welcome, with Bolton being amongst the goals so far this season.

Bolton’s leaky back line will be exploited by our classy attacking play, and I expect a comfortable win.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Will Jones says...

Sunderland 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

Winning midweek only playing three of our usual XI is a perfect way to come back from a late hiccup last weekend. Many players put their name in the hat to get a start this weekend, and if not to be the first name on the bench and a start midweek.

A game against a free-scoring Bolton team who are coming off no midweek game and a loss without scoring. Could be a great time to play them. I believe we can expose these and show our dominance and win, it may be close but I see it being comfortable.

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Martin Wanless says...

Sunderland 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

It'll certainly be interesting to see who's named in Lee Johnson's starting XI come 2pm today, with Aiden McGeady and Lynden Gooch the two men who are most likely to be under pressure from the lads who came in and performed well in midweek.

One person who's a nailed-on starter is Ross Stewart, however. The striker's been superb so far this season, and I'm backing him to open the scoring in a tight game. Promoted Bolton have had a great start to the season and will provide a stern test, but I'm hoping we have enough to overcome them. 2-1.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Chris Wynn says...

Sunderland 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

I seem to keep saying that the sides coming to the Stadium of Light won’t make it a routine victory and we have generally looked a class above the opposition at home, so I’m struggling to see past a routine win.

Our midweek cup game will have given Lee Johnson a few headaches, and with some fresh legs in certain areas combined with the desire to make up for last week’s draw from the clutches of victory at Fleetwood, I’m predicting a comfortable afternoon.

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