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Aston Villa vs Sunderland: David Prutton delivers prediction on Chris Coleman’s first game
CHRIS COLEMAN will suffer a losing start as manager of Sunderland tonight (7.45pm).
Aston Villa vs Sunderland: Chris Coleman takes charge of Sunderland for the first time tonight
That is according to Sky Sports' Championship pundit David Prutton, who believes the trip to Aston Villa is the toughest possible start the former Wales boss could have been given.
Villa have won seven of their last 10 games and occupy a play-off spot while Sunderland prop up the Championship table.
Coleman, who was appointed on Sunday, faces a huge task of turning the Black Cats’ fortunes around.
And Prutton told Sky Sports: “Starts in the Sky Bet Championship don't come much tougher than a trip to Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Sunderland: Steve Bruce has his own injury problems
I feel this will be a narrow home win
“But that's what awaits Chris Coleman and Sunderland on Tuesday night, and what a marker it would be to lay down if he can get a result.
“However, Aston Villa got a great win at the weekend after coming back at QPR, especially when you consider who they have beaten at Loftus Road in recent weeks.
“I feel this will be a narrow home win.”
Sunderland are missing seven players for the trip to Villa Park.
Duncan Watmore is the standout casualty after suffering a suspected cruciate knee ligament injury.
Villa boss Steve Bruce also has his own injury problems, with John Terry, Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan, Andre Green and Gabby Abgonlahor unavailable.
Villa are 5/7 favourites with Betsafe to secure all three points while a draw can be backed at 27/10. A win for Sunderland is priced at 41/10.