Prediction League: Another 8-0?

Sunderland haven't won a league match in August since 2011.

Imagine starting every season knowing you have to wait at least 3 or 4 games before grabbing a win. Imagine losing your manager on the eve of the campaign to England. Imagine the defensive base of your team, one that went on a brilliant run of form to steer the club clear of relegation, crumble for various reasons. Imagine your keeper getting injured and only having a youngster to deputise. Imagine having to field Rodwell at centre back after an injury to John O'Shea.

Makes our fans seem a little spoilt moaning about the quality of our squad on the eve of signing a Moroccan gem.

However, there are a few reasons for Mackem's to be cheerful.

They have just signed Javier Manquillo from Atletico. He will provide an upgrade over Donald Love who looked so out of sorts on Sunday.

Errrrrr. Actually just the one reason then.

Moyes is there new manager which may or may not be a reason for optimism. It does mean I can link to the gif of him eating crisps in the stands after getting sent off for Real Sociedad.

To the predictions

Last time out Jake and Paul got the correct score so join Tommy at the top of the table. Unfortunately the skate bastard, Merson, and the whiny co-commentator, Lawrenson, also collected 3 points last Friday.

Merse: 2-0 "They miss Graziano Pelle as a focal point and need more going forward, but I think they will have enough to get their first win of the season."

Lawro: 1-1 "I'm going for a draw, which will be a much better result for Sunderland. They are still trying to strengthen, especially in midfield."

Tommy: 3-1 "Saints get the monkey off of their back, and finally settle the fans down a bit"

Blaise: 2-1 "A 2-1 squeaker. A performance we're all going to be pissed about, yet say 'Hey, we got the 3 points.'"

Jake: 2-0 "2-0 Saints and that's mostly because Sunderland have few redeeming features in their squad right now."

Dan V: 2-0 "Dodgy 2-0 win. Not a vintage performance, but important goals for Long and Fonte, who swear allegiance to the red and white flag."

Paul: 2-0 "Southampton fans chucks season ticket at Puel... Asks for season ticket back the following day."

Robert: 3-2 "Goal fest. Saints get a late winner from Charlie Austin with other goals coming from Redmond and Davis."

Allen: 2-1 "Shakey performance rescued by a late goal that keeps fans screaming through at least Sept. 1."

Will: 3-0 "If we don't win easily then even I may question the new boss"

George: 1-1. "Sunderland have injury problems, but will sit deep. Saints struggle to break them down, before Defoe opens the scoring against the run of play..."