The72's writers offer their Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday prediction ahead of the Championship clash on Saturday afternoon. Sunderland head into this encounter against Sheffield Wednesday with nothing to play for having lost their last two outings and winning just one of their last six under interim manager Mike Dodds.

The Black Cats can finish no higher than 13th in their second season back in the Championship, with 18th the lowest they can mathematically drop albeit extremely unlikely.

It's been a season to forget on Wearside as they've failed to get anywhere near the play-offs. The season has been plagued with questionable decisions and the summer will be an important one as they bid to push back up the Championship table.

Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS. Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, need just a point at the Stadium of Light to guarantee their safety despite having spent the majority of the season in the relegation zone.

The Owls are unbeaten in their last five outings, winning three of those, with Danny Rohl's men now expected to avoid the drop following their excellent end of season form.

Survival would be a remarkable feat for the Owls given the dismal start to their campaign under Xisco Munoz. Rohl looks like a manager who can lead a bright new era, though time will tell how his situation pans out this summer.

Latest Stories Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game...

Jacob Hackett "As the Black Cats are only playing for pride and the Owls will want to ensure that safety is in their own hands, this is bound to be an interesting fixture.

"Dodds' side have had a poor end to the season and should they continue in similar fashion then Rohl's men may be in luck.

Image courtesy of: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS. "Wednesday have had a fantastic end to the campaign, so I expect them to cap it off by retaining their spot in the division.

"My prediction is a slender victory for the visitors."

Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday prediction: 1-2 James Ray "Make no bones about it, Danny Rohl will have pulled off an insane feat if he guides Sheffield Wednesday to safety.

"It's easy to forget just how poor they were before his arrival as he's been at the helm for a little while now. A result here would confirm a successful fight against relegation, and I think they'll get it.

"It's been a season to forget for Sunderland and as they limp over the line, I can't see them ending a tough campaign on a high.

"I'll go for a 2-0 away win."

Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday prediction: 0-2