Sunderland sponsor makes them favourite for relegation from the Premier League

Sunderland's shirt sponsor Dafabet has defended its stance to make the Black Cats its favourite for relegation from the Premier League.

The online betting company was made the club's shirt sponsor in the summer, but following back-to-back defeats for the Black Cats to Leicester City and Norwich City, it has backed Dick Advocaat's men to drop down into the Championship.

However, Dafabet has claimed that it is only following fellow companies in predicting the Black Cats' fate.

The company told ITV Sport: "There have only been two games played and this is no reflection in what we believe at Dafabet.

"It's merely the current industry line, which I'm sure will change once points get picked up, which they will.

"We are 100% behind all our partners, particularly our main partner in the Premier League."

Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League.