Chris Sutton drops score prediction for crunch clash between Sunderland and Wolves

Wolves have their biggest game of the season so far this weekend, as they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Wolves are still yet to get a win on the board in the Premier League, but have made improvements in recent weeks.

The past two draws with Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton could easily have ended as Wolves wins, and Pereira and his players must ensure that they see games out if similar situations arise in coming matches.

Pereira believes his players are looking more confident though, and fans will be optimistic of a first win this Saturday.

That said, Sunderland will be no pushovers this weekend, having made a bright start. Currently, they sit ninth in the table.

Losing is rather unthinkable for Wolves, and ahead of the game BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has dropped his score prediction.

Chris Sutton predicts Sunderland vs Wolves

Wolves don’t have a very good recent record at the Stadium of Light, having won just one of the last 10 meetings at Sunderland’s home.

That win came all the way back in 2011, with Mick McCarthy overseeing a 3-1 win.

Sunderland have made the much better start this season, but for Sutton, there won’t be anything to separate the two teams.

Predicting a 1-1 draw, he said (via BBC Sport): “This week, they (Sunderland) are at home to Wolves, who are bottom of the table without a win, but the Black Cats have picked up a few injuries and their squad strength is a little bit of a concern.

“United deserved to beat them before the international break – and it’s not often you say that about United, is it? But I was impressed by Regis Le Bris because he did not make any excuses afterwards.

“Sunderland need to get back on track but I don’t think they will find it straightforward against a Wolves side who have drawn their last two games. There is not going to be a lot in this, and even I can’t pick a winner.”

Wolves urged to quieten Stadium of Light crowd

This will be a test for Wolves with Sunderland clearly a team that are ready to attack their first season back in the Premier League.

It could be a difficult game, especially if Wolves let the hosts play.

Dave Edwards has urged Wolves to try and stifle the Stadium of Light crowd this weekend and that would be ideal.

Edwards also wants to see Wolves push on in the event of taking a 1-0 lead, which has happened in each of the last three Premier League games, rather than sitting back.

Fans have urged Pereira not to switch to a back five when Wolves are leading, and it will be really interesting to see if the manager heeds this advice if his side do go 1-0 up with not long left to play.