Sunderland AFC vs Plymouth Argyle FC Prediction: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

On Saturday afternoon, Sunderland takes on Plymouth Argyle in an attempt to get the victory that would put the team back in the Championship playoff positions. When Plymouth visits the Stadium of Light in 15th place, the Black Cats are now ranked seventh in the standings.

A victory against Middlesbrough would have gone a long way toward winning over Sunderland's supporters, which is something Michael Beale would have known going into last weekend's Tees-Wear derby. Rather, Beale was forced to settle with a thrilling draw at Riverside Stadium, which moves him to 11 points from eight games since moving to the North East. With no opponents in the top eight until March 5, Sunderland has the most favourable schedule of any side in the running for the playoffs.

However, as has been the case with Plymouth under Ian Foster, we are at the point in the season where clubs further down the rankings are battling for survival. Although losing Steven Schumacher to Stoke City was felt to be a setback at the time, Argyle has benefited from a plethora of new players. Following their promotion from League One in 2022–2023 to the Championship, Plymouth surged to the astounding heights of 15th place with back-to-back wins over Cardiff City and Swansea City.

With both teams scoring at least 1 goal in the last five games played, can this be a potential high-scoring game?

With 44 points, Sunderland is ranked ninth. The Black Cats are one point behind sixth-place Hull City in the promotion play-offs with 16 games remaining. This season, in 15 Championship games played at home, Sunderland has collected 27 points (W9 L6) out of a potential 45 points. 

Sunderland's previous six league games have seen two wins, two draws, and two losses. In their most recent Championship encounter, Sunderland and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 at Riverside Stadium to earn a point for both teams. 

Plymouth Argyle is ranked 15th with 36 points. Nine points separate the Pilgrims from a tournament berth. With six ties, eight defeats, and just one victory in league away games this season, Plymouth will want to improve its dismal run of away performances from Home Park. Plymouth has had six games with two wins, three draws, and one loss. In their most recent league game, Plymouth Argyle defeated Swansea City 1-0 at Swansea to increase their winning run to four games (Wins 2, Draws 2, Losses 0).

Sunderland has won just one of their past five games in all competitions, although they are now enjoying a run of consecutive undefeated victories. They could have trouble here because they have dropped three of their last five home games.

With their most recent loss, Plymouth's six-game winning run came to a stop, and they will be hoping to continue that this weekend. They could lose this weekend given they have only triumphed once this season in the league when playing on the road.

Expect over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.