Bristol City vs Sunderland predictions: Entertainment to commence at Ashton Gate
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- Both teams have scored in five of the last six meetings
- Both teams have scored in four of Bristol City’s last five matches
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals
Sunderland made it back-to-back wins under interim head coach Mike Dodds with Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at home to promotion-chasing Leeds and they will be looking to go in again at an out-of-form Bristol City.
That midweek success for the Black Cats has seen them move into the playoff places but they are only three points above 11th-placed Norwich, so will be well aware that a setback could do great harm to their promotion aspirations.
After some early promise under manager Liam Manning, Bristol City have returned to their old ways and have picked up only one point from their last four Championship clashes.
The Robins are 15th in the Championship, seven points below Sunderland, and will be hoping to bring some Christmas cheer back to Ashton Gate.
Team news
Bristol City remain without defenders Haydon Roberts and Robert Atkinson as well as midfielders Ayman Benarous, Andy King and Ross McCrorie and experienced forward Nakhi Wells.
Sunderland have five confirmed absentees with Dennis Cirkin, Corry Evans, Jay Matete , Timothee Pembele and Ajibola Alese sidelined.
The stats
Sunderland have won their last two league games, beating promotion rivals West Brom and Leeds at the Stadium of Light.
However, the Black Cats must translate those performances on their travels as they have failed to win any of their last five away league games.
Both teams have scored in four of Sunderland’s last six league matches while the net has bulged at both ends in four of Bristol City’s last five.
The Robins have failed to win any of their last four league games, although they have won three of their last five Championship fixtures at Ashton Gate, which includes accounting for Middlesbrough.
Both teams have scored in five of the last six meetings between these teams, with three of those encounters ending in draws.
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Prediction
This corresponding fixture last season saw Sunderland triumph 3-2 in a thriller and everything points to another high-scoring encounter at Ashton Gate.
The Black Cats have raised morale with successive wins over West Brom and Leeds but they have struggled away from the Stadium of Light, failing to win on any of their last five road trips.
Bristol City, in contrast, are on a poor run of form with no win in five.
However, only one of those matches was at home - a 2-1 defeat to Norwich - and they have had no problem locating the goal.
Prior to losing to Norwich, Bristol City had recorded a 3-2 home win over Middlesbrough and they have seen both teams score in four of their last five league outings.
Sunderland, equally, have seen the net bulge at both ends in three of their last four league games with only third-placed Leeds failing to score during that run.
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