Sunderland vs Cardiff predictions: Cardiff can strike in defeat at in-form Sunderland

- Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five games, winning their last three 
- Cardiff are winless away in the league but have scored in all of their trips 
- Recommended bet: Sunderland and both teams to score

After failing to win any of their first three games of the season in all competitions, Sunderland have hit some form and are unbeaten in five – with four wins and one draw.

The Black Cats have scored 11 goals over the course of their last three games and they made a big statement in their last home assignment with a 5-0 win over probable promotion rivals Southampton.

Most observers expected Cardiff to struggle before the campaign kicked off, but the early signs are promising and they sit in 10th place after three wins in their last four games, just three points behind their hosts.

The Bluebirds should be able to keep this game competitive but they are still seeking a first away win of the season and in-form Sunderland should be expected to make the most of home advantage. 

Sunderland have a few injury concerns and Dennis Cirkin, Pierre Ekwah and Bradley Dack are set to miss out. All three are close to comebacks, but Sunday's fixture will come too soon.

Boss Tony Mowbray may opt to stick with the same starting side that claimed a 3-1 win at Blackburn last time out as he has no fresh injury or suspension concerns. 

If Mowbray does opt to tinker, Patrick Roberts could come into the first XI after featuring as a substitute at Ewood Park.

Cardiff manager Erol Bulut has no new injury worries as he remains without Callum O'Dowda and Josh Bowler. 

The visitors are expected to make at least one change, however, with Aaron Ramsey in line to start after being rested for the midweek win over Coventry due to a thigh issue.

Sunderland have won each of their last three Championship games and have been in free-scoring form, hitting 11 goals in total during that run.

The Black Cats have lost just one of their last nine home league games stretching back into last season, but they have managed just one clean sheet over the course of that period.

Cardiff have picked up just one point in three away games in the league but they have managed a road win at a Championship rival, having secured a 3-1 win at Birmingham City in the EFL Cup.

The Bluebirds have won just seven of their last 26 Championship away games going back to the start of last season, losing 15 of those.

Sunderland are flying right now as they look to extend a five-game unbeaten run and they can put on another show for their fans as they return to the Stadium of Light for the first time since a 5-0 demolition of Southampton.

The Black Cats look well placed to secure all three points, but Cardiff are no pushovers and arrive in fine fettle themselves after three wins in their last four games.

The Bluebirds have been less effective on the road, however, and are yet to win on their travels in the league. 

Cardiff's away day woes stretch all the way back into last season but they have at least scored in all of four of their trips in all competitions this term and can get on the scoresheet on Wearside, even if they do fail to claim any points.

Back Sunderland to win and both teams to score at 12/5 with LiveScore Bet

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