Sunderland vs Preston North End Predictions

Sunderland will face Preston North End at the Stadium of Light on March 12, 2025, in a Championship matchup with both teams chasing vital points late in the 2024/25 season. Sunderland, likely 2nd with around 68 points from 36 matches, come off a 2-1 win over Cardiff City (March 8, 2025), aiming to secure automatic promotion. Preston North End, expected 15th with about 45 points from 36 matches, arrive after a 1-0 loss to Sheffield United (March 8, 2025), looking to climb the table. This preview covers team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to predict the winner.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Sunderland

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 20W, 8D, 8L in Championship (68 points, 2nd)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Cardiff City (Championship, March 8, 2025)

• Home Form: 11W, 4D, 3L (30 goals scored, 12 conceded) Sunderland have been in fine form, winning four of their last five games, including a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City. With 68 points, they’re in the promotion hunt. At home, they average 1.67 goals scored and 0.67 conceded per game, facing a Preston side they’ve struggled to beat consistently.

Preston North End

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 12W, 9D, 15L in Championship (45 points, 15th)

• Latest Result: 1-0 loss vs. Sheffield United (Championship, March 8, 2025)

• Away Form: 5W, 4D, 9L (18 goals scored, 24 conceded) Preston have been inconsistent, losing three of their last five games, including a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United. With 45 points, they’re mid-table. Away, they average 1.00 goal scored and 1.33 conceded per game, aiming to upset Sunderland’s promotion push.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Sunderland 7W, Preston North End 6W, 6D (19 meetings since 2018)

• Recent Meeting:
  November 6, 2024: Preston North End 0-0 Sunderland (Championship, Round 14)

• Key Trend: Four of the last six H2Hs ended in draws; 60% of recent meetings saw under 2.5 goals. The November 2024 clash ended 0-0, reflecting a tight rivalry. Matches average 2.0 goals recently, with Sunderland’s 2-1 home win in January 2023 showing their potential at the Stadium of Light, setting up a close contest.

Key Players to Watch

Sunderland

• Jack Clarke (FWD): 10 goals, 5 assists in Championship; top scorer with flair.

• Jobe Bellingham (MID): 6 goals, 4 assists; young playmaker.

• Anthony Patterson (GK): 11 clean sheets; key in goal.

Preston North End

• Will Keane (FWD): 8 goals, 3 assists in Championship; leading striker.

• Ben Whiteman (MID): 4 goals, 4 assists; midfield creator.

• Freddie Woodman (GK): 9 clean sheets; anchors the defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Sunderland’s 4-3-3 (1.47 goals per game) relies on Clarke’s finishing and Bellingham’s energy, targeting Preston’s 1.33 goals conceded per game away, with home support as a lift. Preston’s 4-2-3-1 (1.11 goals per game) leans on Keane’s scoring and Whiteman’s vision, likely countering with 46% possession away. The Stadium of Light’s 48,707 fans will push Sunderland, suggesting a tight, low-scoring game.

Prediction: Sunderland vs Preston North End

Our Prediction: Total Home - Over 1

Corner - Over 6.5 (Team 1)