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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.

This week’s predictions...

Explain yourself...

Phil Butler says...

Sunderland 3-0 Cheltenham Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Sunderland 3-0 Cheltenham

In truth, I'm fully expecting Sunderland to have one clinical game where we score a handful and have the game sewn up by half time. Tonight's opponents could be the side that is on the receiving end of such a drubbing.

There may be a couple of changes with Cirkin and Doyle both going off injured on Saturday, but as the quality of opposition decreases, our level of performance can hopefully do the opposite, meaning it'll be a comfortable night for Lee Johnson's men.

Malcolm Dugdale says...

Sunderland 4-0 Cheltenham Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

I’m predicting this game to be the one where we not only get 3 points, but where we do so in an exciting and aggressive manner.

Even in the 1-0 win over Bolton, we had chances to score a few more. There has to be a time when we take on a team who are on the back foot due to a few key players not making the team, and we put them to the sword, and this could well be it.

In contrast to that expectation, Cheltenham will be over the moon to be playing somewhere like our gaff, so they could well park the bus hoping for a point. They have also beaten Ipswich and Oxford at home, and Charlton away, 3 teams who many would have put in the top 8 at the start of the season, so if they turn up and have a go we may struggle to keep a clean sheet.

A win for sure for me, and hopefully a statement result.

Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers - Sky Bet League One — Ross Stewart

Matthew Foster says...

Sunderland 4-1 Cheltenham Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Tonight's game presents a chance to win six league games at home in a row, for the first time since our 2004/05 promotion season. And with the greatest of respects to tonight's visitors, Cheltenham are a side we should be expecting to beat.

Cirkin will certainly be a miss after Saturday's injury, but we have plenty of options to fall back on. I can't back anything other than another home win for the lads, and a handsome one at that, with Ross Stewart bagging the first.

Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Sunderland 2-0 Cheltenham Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

The Stadium of Light is quickly becoming a fortress and we need to keep it up. Patchy home form in previous seasons has been a major issue, and I’m glad we’re addressing it this campaign.

Cheltenham are a steady enough side but are hampered with injuries affecting their star players both offensively and defensively. We must capitalise on this. I’d love us to go and really put them to the sword but think a more conservative scoreline, with a dominant performance is the most likely outcome.

Sunderland v Wycombe Wanderers - Sky Bet League One — Only Jack is backing Elliot Embleton to open the scoring

Will Jones says...

Sunderland 3-1 Cheltenham Town

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

I fully believe we will keep this 100% record at home going emphatically. A bit of rotation won’t be a surprise but I feel we can seamlessly slip players in and out of this squad and still get the required result.

Cheltenham are still a decent side at this level, however at home I feel we are formidable and are going from strength to strength. I expect us to push that gap on the mid-table by that extra little bit on Tuesday and the table to look even healthier than it already does.