Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland predictions: Black Cats can add to Ange's bad luck
Steve Palmer
Nottingham Forest are without a win since the opening day
Sunderland drew 1-1 at home to Villa last week
Recommended bet: Draw or Sunderland Double Chance
Nottingham Forest have failed to win in four under new boss Ange Postecoglou but the Australian will be hoping that a first match at the City Ground will bring a change in fortune.
Three days after Postecoglou oversaw Forest's creditable 2-2 draw at Real Betis in their Europa League opener, the Aussie's new side welcome Sunderland, who are enjoying a fine start to life back in the top flight.
The latest Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
It looks unlikely defender Murillo will be deemed fit for the visit of Sunderland to the City Ground.
Forest boss Ange Postecoglou is hopeful that Nikola Milenkovic and Douglas Luiz, who limped out of Wednesday's Europa League draw at Real Betis, will be available.
Igor Jesus scored both goals in the 2-2 draw in Spain, leaving Postecoglou mulling over whether to stick with the Brazilian frontman or recall last term's top scorer Chris Wood.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has one enforced change with left-back Reinildo suspended, which should mean a call-up for Arthur Masuaku. Dan Ballard is also an option if Le Bris wants to tweak the shape of his defence.
Chris Rigg is likely to keep his place in midfield with Habib Diarra ruled out for a few weeks.
The latest Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Forest are without a win in their last six matches and have conceded in every game this season. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 16 games, a run dating back to April 1.
Wilson Isidor averages 2.6 shots per game in the Premier League. Only three other players average more than the Sunderland forward.
Igor Jesus has scored four goals on his two starts for Forest.
Sunderland have collected just six yellow cards in five matches. Only two clubs — West Ham and Man United - have had fewer bookings.
The latest Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Sunderland are punching above their weight with no evidence they are about to falter, and a trip to Nottingham to face Forest ought not fill them with any dread.
Last season, when Forest were flying under Nuno Espirito Santo, perhaps the short odds about the hosts would have looked entirely appropriate.
But this term they are adjusting to a wholesale change in approach and direction under the more gung-ho Postecoglou and are definitely in something of a transition.
They have not won in four under the Australian, though set against that is the fact that all four have been on the road, most recently in southern Spain on Wednesday night when they drew 2-2 at Betis in the Europa League.
It is not much of a turnaround for Postecoglou's first home game in charge and Sunderland represent a stern challenge.
They have yet to score in their two away games but the most recent of those — a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace — was a thoroughly professional and organised effort.
The Black Cats followed up with a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa and are now unbeaten in four games. Take them to extend that run to five.
Back Draw or Sunderland Double Chance at 19/20 with LiveScoreBet
The latest Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland odds are available on LiveScore Bet
