As Sunderland continues their 2024–25 campaign at home against Derby County on Tuesday night, they will be trying to get back to winning ways in the Championship.
The Black Cats will be coming off a 2-1 loss to Watford, while Derby's most recent game in the English second division ended in a thrilling five-goal thriller against Norwich City.
Although Sunderland ended the 2024–25 Championship season in 16th place, the team has had a strong start and is now sitting in second place in the standings.
The Black Cats are only one point behind leaders West Bromwich Albion after winning five and losing two of their seven games, but their recent performance has been lackluster. They have amassed 15 points.
Regis Le Bris's team had, in fact, lost two of their past three Championship games, falling to Watford and Plymouth Argyle after defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 at home.
Sunderland seemed to be taking what would have been a solid point against Watford on Saturday afternoon, only for the Hornets to score a second in the 84th minute to secure the bragging rights at Vicarage Road.
Although the Black Cats haven't lost to Derby since February 2001, this will be their first encounter in over six years; they last faced off in the Championship in March of last year.
In their 12 meetings with the Black Cats—which have taken place across three divisions—Derby has lost seven and drawn five of them since defeating Sunderland 1-0 in the Premier League in 2001.
After placing second in the standings behind Portsmouth, the Rams were promoted from League One the previous season. They will aim to establish themselves once again in the second division in 2024–2025.
Paul Warne's side can be moderately pleased with their start, winning three and losing four of their seven matches to gather nine points, which has placed them in 13th spot in the league.
Prior to the September international break, Derby actually defeated Bristol City and Cardiff City at home; however, they have since dropped their last two games against Sheffield United and Norwich.
In Saturday's match at Pride Park, Borja Sainz scored three goals for Norwich, while Derby failed to find a late equalizer after Corey Blackett-Taylor had made it 3-2 in the closing minutes.
