Bitesize Prediction: Sunderland vs Preston – 01/01/24

Competition: Championship

Market: Jack Clarke to score anytime

Odds: 15/8 @ 1xBet

Looking to open the New Year with a statement at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland will host Preston on Monday lunchtime.

Starting with the hosts, left frustrated over the weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at relegation scrappers Rotherham, Sunderland do have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability. Mustering just a single win from any of their previous four Championship appearances, new boss Michael Beale will be desperate to make a New Year’s Day statement here. Slipping out of the play-off places and only recording consecutive victories since the start of October, the former Rangers boss will certainly be calling on attacking talisman Jack Clarke to spearhead their charge on Monday lunchtime. Finding the net away at Rotherham on Friday as the Black Cats snatched a point in Yorkshire, the 23-year-old has now bagged back-to-back Championship strikes and has continued to attract plenty of January interest. Already registering 12 second-tier goals this season, the former Leeds starlet should be smelling a golden chance to extend on his tally here.

As for the visitors, although Preston might have secured a stunning 2-1 victory against Leeds on Boxing Day, the Lilywhites came immediately crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Putting in a nightmare performance at Deepdale as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against relegation scrappers Sheffield Wednesday, Ryan Lowe’s side have come tumbling down the Championship standings. Losing three of their previous four appearances, the Lancashire-based outfit now face a major uphill battle in their bid to claim a play-off ticket in 2024. Recording just a pair of wins from any of their last nine straight outings – a run that stems back to November 11th – Preston should also be worried by their continued issues on the road. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Swansea, Monday’s guests have recorded just a pair of away victories since the start of September.

Bet: Jack Clarke 15/8 to score anytime against Preston in Monday’s Championship battle @ 1xBet