Last time out...

Will called 3-1 and collected three points, while four of our predictors claimed the extra point for Ross Stewart getting the opening goal. Everyone picked up at least a point though for backing the Lads to win.

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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 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

It seems like ages since the Red and White wizards moved to top of the league, but there's no reason why that should change this weekend. Accrington are no mugs, but if we have ambitions of winning this division this is a game we must be winning on home turf.

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Malcolm Dugdale says...

Sunderland 2-0 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

I am flirting with the idea of a really comprehensive win at home against the Stanley, but deep down I know we can at times struggle with teams like them. All that in mind, I’m going for a middle of the road and thoroughly professional 2-0 victory, with Big Nessie to open our tally.

I think Accrington are quite similar to Wycombe, in that they have an ability to frustrate and disrupt teams, and to score from set pieces when chances arise, or when opponents make a mistake. Despite maybe being “less of a footballing side” they play how they do, and they clearly get results, as their present position shows.

They have played one game more than us and are below us only on goal difference, but with far from remarkable performances against Barrow, MK Dons and Oldham. I’d be happy to see another dip in form from them this weekend for sure.

If we are serious contenders for the auto spots we need to win games like this, but let’s take one game at a time and give them no errors to pounce on. If they get a goal, new levels of bus parking may occur, but I’d like to think we have enough to break them down.

Game on… I can’t wait!

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Matthew Foster says...

Sunderland 3-0 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Aiden McGeady

In a surprising top-of-the-table clash (despite it being early doors) we face an Accrington Stanley who have had a better start than I expected of them. However, arguably their two toughest clashes so far (Wycombe and MK Dons) they have both lost, both coming away from home.

And with our great start, particularly at home, I fully expect us to win this. On top of that, we’ve strengthened the squad considerably and have plenty of strong options to bring into the fold. Hopefully we see some debutants today, but I reckon it’ll be one of the old guard that pops up with the first of three goals we’ll put past Accy.

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Jack Howe-Gingell says...

Sunderland 3-1 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

Nice to be back again after kicking the international bore-fest into touch.

This won’t be the easiest of game and even if I think it’s unlikely Accrington will finish as lofty as they are now, I’m still expecting them to challenge for the play-off places - they’re not particularly prolific, and are edging games by the odd goal, preferring to keep it tight.

We are at the summit for the first time in an eternity and this is a great chance to set the tone with a confident win. With the “Irn-Bru Ibra” to set us away.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Will Jones says...

Sunderland 3-1 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Elliot Embleton

Top of the league! Who’d have thunk it? I believe we can win our games no matter the opposition in front of us. This break will have done us the world of good. Bed in the newbies and allow us to train and nurse any knocks while the British youngsters go and represent their country.

I believe Accrington not having a break may not help them this weekend and we will show them why we are the top dogs. Hopefully, full debuts for the two new German lads can add some spice and some further urgency to our play.

Personally, I can’t wait. 1st vs 2nd and will push us further to the top after looking back, a very hard start to the season.

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Martin Wanless says...

Sunderland 4-0 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Dan Neil

Ridiculously overconfident? Absolutely. About to be brought down to earth with a massive bump? Probably. But let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

We’ve not beaten Accrington at the SoL, and if we’ve got automatic hopes we simply need to get the three points and move onto the next game. No frills, no fuss, just get the job done. They’re second for a reason though, and will provide a stern test.

Team selection will be interesting, with new signing to come in and injured players to move out, but I’m going to go for Dan Neil to get his first Sunderland goal to get proceedings off to the best of starts, and bring with it a convincing home win.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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Chris Wynn says...

Sunderland 3-0 Accrington Stanley

Sunderland’s first goalscorer: Ross Stewart

It won’t be as easy as I’m making out with the 3-0 prediction, John Coleman’s side will be tough to break down, but when we do I think we’ll run away with it.

A bit like the Wycombe game, the first goal will be vital, if we concede first it could be a frustrating afternoon, but if we score first, this young confident side will want to press home the advantage.

Accrington are good defensively and not great going forward so I’m going for us to open the scoring and finish them off with a couple more.

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