Match Prediction: Sunderland

One thing is for sure regardless of the result this weekend and that is Sunderland will still be below us in the table even if they win. The worrying factor in that statement is Sunderland are the only team we can say that of.

We've played Sunderland 161 times and of those we've won 71, losing 51 and drawing the other 39. On paper and this is only my humble opinion we should beat Sunderland but we should have beaten Wigan, West Ham, Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth so nothing is for sure this season.

Thomas Sorensen, Gavin McCann and Kevin Phillips are all returning to their former club. I'm sure Kevin Phillips will get a good reception but I'm not convinced about the other two - it will be interesting to see and if any Sunderland fans wanted to give us their opinion, please email damian@astonvilla.biz.

Sunderland have not won in 6 matches at home this season and have conceded 14 goals. Villa have only won once away from home and only scored 4 in six. If there was one team we should score a few against it is Sunderland but we shouldn't expect it.

Christian Bassila and Stephen Wright look set to make their return for Sunderland this weekend strengthening the midfield and defence.

The French midfielder and the former Liverpool full-back played in a reserves match against Wolves last week and are likely to both play this weekend.

Villa on the other hand also have players returning. The good news this week is that Hughes and Bouma should be back and it looks like although Baros came off early the other night it was more a precautionary measure than an injury.

He plays again tomorrow night so there is a little concern in the Villa camp that he won't be 100% for Saturday after not playing that much football the past month but David O'Leary does have Angel and Moore available along with the Phillips who is likely to start against his old club.

To my prediction. I hope Villa get the result because if we don't I suspect we'll find ourselves in the relegation zone and that, on top of everything else that is happening would be disastrous for confidence especially with some critical matches coming up.

I'm going for a draw. I suspect we might win but if I was making a bet I'd say 2-2.

If Villa do win expect a lot of news next week from Aston Villa saying how they've turned the corner and how the season is now beginning.

If Villa get beaten, expect a new manager very soon.

Tell us your prediction by voting to the right or email damian@astonvilla.biz with your opinion.