Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest predictions: Tricky Trees to pass Wearside test
James Mason
Sunderland are 11th in the Premier League table
Nottingham Forest are 16th in the standings, five points above the relegation zone
Recommended bet: Nottingham Forest to win
Nottingham Forest will bid to clinch a crucial three points in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League when they head to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Friday evening.
The Tricky Trees, who have the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa six days after this trip to Wearside, find themselves five points clear of the bottom three with five matches remaining.
Sunderland are still in the mix for a European finish but they suffered a blow when losing a 4-3 thriller against Villa, who are closing in on a top-five finish, on Sunday.
The latest Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Romaine Mundle remains sidelined with a thigh injury for Sunderland, who are also set to be without Simon Moore due to a hand problem.
Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traore and Nilson Angulo are all closing in on returns and could be involved in the matchday squad.
Forest pair John Victor and Nicolo Savona are both out until June due to knee injuries and Willy Boly also remains in the treatment room with his own knee ailment.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has a muscular problem and will not be back until next month
The latest Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Sunderland have collected 29 of their total 46 points at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have lost three of their last four home matches.
Forest are on a five-game unbeaten run in the league, taking nine points during that time.
The Tricky Trees are unbeaten in their last four away assignments, most recently drawing 1-1 in Porto.
Sunderland and Forest have both scored 36 top-flight goals.
The latest Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Sunderland will be more than happy with their efforts since returning to the Premier League and clinching a place in one of the three European competitions next season would be the cherry on the cake for head coach Regis Le Bris.
However, the Black Cats' hopes of achieving that goal could be dented by Forest, who are into the semi-finals of the Europa League and are building up a head of steam in their bid to avoid relegation.
The Tricky Trees are unbeaten in five league fixtures and this impressive run has seen them open up a five-point gap to 18th-placed Tottenham, who are in serious danger of dropping into the Championship.
Vitor Pereira's side have improved on their travels, winning two and drawing two of their last four in all competitions, and they look capable of heading back to Nottinghamshire with a crucial victory.
Sunderland's form at the Stadium of Light has dropped in recent weeks, as they have lost three of their last four home contests, and there could be little for the Black Cats to cheer about on Friday.
Back Nottingham Forest to win at 29/20 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest odds are available on LiveScore Bet
