Sunderland vs Watford predictions: Black Cats to sting Hornets

- Sunderland have won four of their last five games in the Championship 
- Watford are winless in their last 12 away league games 
- Recommended bet: Sunderland to win and Over 2.5 goals

Sunderland will look to make it five wins in six matches on Wednesday when they host strugglers Watford in the Championship.

The Black Cats are flying high in the table, collecting 16 points from their first nine matches, which is 10 more than Watford have secured.

Confidence is high at the Stadium of Light, while Watford are hoping to avoid a third-straight defeat under coach Valerien Ismael.

The former Barnsley boss put pen to paper on a new contract on Tuesday, and he will be hoping to improve his team's fortunes straight away in what looks a tricky test.

Mowbray has confirmed that he will be without Pierre Ekwah and Bradley Dack for Wednesday's clash, while Dennis Cirkin is also sidelined currently but could return shortly after the October international break.

Aji Alese and Eliezer Mayenda are still struggling with long-term injuries, while Corry Evans continues his rehabilitation from his own long-term knee injury.

Ismael may tinker with his Watford squad as he bids to get a positive result, with Rhys Healey and Matheus Martins both pushing for a start.

Ken Sema remains the club's only injury concern, and the Hornets will hope he can return after the international break.

Sunderland have been scoring goals for fun of late, only failing to score at least three goals in one of their last five games.

Mowbray's side made a statement when they smashed five past Southampton, while they have scored three against QPR, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday.

The Black Cats have lost just two of their last 10 home games, and that will give them confidence as they prepare to host Watford.

The Hornets have lost back-to-back games, conceding six goals against Leeds United and Middlesbrough, while they last won a league game away from home in January.

If results go their way, Sunderland could move to within one point of third-placed Preston with a win.

While Sunderland fans are dreaming of promotion, Watford are looking over their shoulder due to the threat of the relegation.

The Hornets' travelling record is a real worry, and it should not improve as they prepare to face one of the best teams in the division.

Sunderland have punished teams in front of goal for the last few weeks, and with Watford conceding six in two games away from home, it should be one-way traffic.

Back Sunderland to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 15/8 with LiveScore Bet

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