Throughout the opening three months of this campaign, Sunderland have been one of the most unpredictable outfits, mixing winning and losing streaks in equal measure.
Before the international break, they collected seven points from games against Norwich City, Swansea City and Birmingham City to move them to within close proximity of the playoffs.
However, they failed to make up further ground at the weekend as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle, their third away fixture in succession where they have not troubled the scoresheet.
Plymouth’s goals came in the first half and the Black Cats were unable to respond, with a total of four losses having now been posted in seven matches.
Tony Mowbray’s side had been struggling at the Stadium of Light, too, but they now have 15 points from a possible 24 at their North East home, giving them reason for optimism ahead of this contest.
That opinion is probably not shared by the Huddersfield fanbase about their own team, a consequence of their only win in 11 games being against lowly Queens Park Rangers.
Darren Moore is likely to be given time to make an impact at the John Smith’s Stadium, but eight points from 10 matches is below expectations.
On a plus note, draws were secured against Watford and Southampton in two of their last three fixtures, while their 1-0 defeat at Hull City was courtesy of a last-minute goal.
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Changes are expected to be made to the Sunderland XI with Adil Aouchiche potentially being handed his first Championship start of
the season.Abdoullah Ba and Bradley Dack are also in contention to feature from the start as Mowbray looks for answers after the performance at Home Park.
While Jobe Bellingham has started every league fixture in 2023-24, Mowbray may feel that the teenager could benefit with a game out of the starting lineup.
