Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland Prediction: Sheffield are still looking for their first win of the season in the Championship

Sheffield Wednesday will welcome Sunderland at Hillsborough Stadium in Game Week 9 of the English Championship. Sheffield are still looking for their first win of the season in the Championship. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Despite the aftermath of Darren Moore's departure, Sheffield Wednesday seemed to be in a favorable position following their promotion and the appointment of Xisco as their new head coach. However, the team is currently going through a disastrous season, having lost six out of their eight second-tier matches and already finding themselves four points behind the safety line. It is worth noting that they have managed to secure draws against Leeds United and Middlesbrough in September, and their only defeat at home against high-performing Ipswich Town was by a narrow 1-0 margin. Nevertheless, their humiliating 3-0 loss to fellow struggling team Swansea City has put Xisco under immense pressure to keep his job, as fans fear the team sinking further into trouble. On a positive note, being the first team to play in the upcoming matchday gives them an opportunity to climb up to 22nd place. However, another defeat would risk them being left behind by their relegation rivals, even at this early stage of the season.

Vasquez; Iorfa, Diaby, Famewo; Valentin, Hendrick, Bakinson, Delgado; Buckley, Windass; Fletcher

In the meantime, Sunderland will travel to Hillsborough after their five-match unbeaten streak was interrupted by a late defeat to Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light. While a goalless draw after three victories and 11 goals may still be disappointing, losing 1-0 in the 87th minute has left Tony Mowbray with much to think about. Despite their recent high-scoring performances, on-loan Chelsea player Mason Burstow has been unable to make an impact in the central attack, and Sunderland has also lost two out of their four home games. Although Sunderland can be content with their current fifth-place position, they are already eight points behind the top two teams and seven points away from third. These gaps need to be closed, even with less than a fifth of the season completed.

Patterson; Hume, O'Nien, Ballard, Huggins; Neil; Ba, Bellingham, Pritchard, Clarke; Semedo

Due to their urgent need for a victory, Sheffield Wednesday is likely to give their all to secure three points at their home ground. However, this situation is advantageous for the opposing team as we anticipate them taking advantage of the open spaces and demonstrating a merciless approach in the attacking third. We expect over 2.5 goals in the game.