Stoke City V Sunderland

English Premiership 2009/2010 – Game Week 4

Stoke City V Sunderland

Kick-Off: Saturday 29^th August – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Brittania

Stoke City

League Position: 8^th Position

Recent Form: WLD

Four points from three games isn’t a bad start for a team touted as possible relegation candidates. Stoke got off to the best possible start after beating Burnley on the opening day of the season at The Brittania but Stoke have generally found life hard on their travels, getting smashed off the park by Liverpool in their first away day out, losing 4-0, but the draw against Birmingham last weekend could be looked upon as a positive result. However, Stoke had an issue with their away results last season and with their already being evidence that Stoke could very well struggle once more when travelling, their home games take up even more importance.

Ten of Stoke’s fourteen victories in the league last season came at The Brittania and their home form could play a huge part in how they fair this season. They beat Burnley in their opening home fixture, winning 2-0, but Sunderland will be a different proposition, especially as Sunderland already have an impressive away victory under their belts at Bolton Wanderers. Tony Pulis will use his usual ‘hoof the ball up field and hope it hits a head’ tactic as Stoke do posses one of the tallest squads in the Premiership. That tactic could actually pay dividends as one goal could settle what looks to be a tight game to call. We really can’t this being a fixture blessed with goals and if Stoke could scramble the ball home from another sloppy set-piece then who knows.

Sunderland

League Position: 6^th Position

Recent Form: WLW

Steve Bruce has made an instant impact since arriving at the Sunderland helm during the summer, guiding Sunderland to two wins from three games. The ‘Black Cats’ only defeat thus far came against Premiership favourites – Chelsea, and even then, Sunderland pushed Chelsea pretty close. The biggest improvement since Bruce’s arrival has been Sunderland’s attacking play. Darren Bent has been a revelation in his first few appearances while Kenwyn Jones has the potential to be a big talent, literally. However, although Steve Bruce has brought in Lee Cattermole to strengthen his midfield, Sunderland still lack a quality creative midfielder although Steve Malbranque had an outstanding game on Saturday and Steve Bruce will be hoping he carries that display into this fixture.

The target for Sunderland, as always, will be to avoid relegation, however, if they keep up their early form then Sunderland could be pushing for a top ten finish, if not better. Our only real problem is perhaps their defence, especially against a side like Stoke who use their somewhat unique height to their advantage. Anton Ferdinand is arguably Sunderland’s best and tallest defender but even he doesn’t win enough balls in the air. Steve Bruce will need to find a way around the aerial tactics of Stoke else they could face a tough afternoon at The Brittania. A venue where even the best have struggled.

Head-to-Head:

Stoke W: 3 Sunderland W: 3 Draws: 2 Overs – 3 Unders – 5

Seeing as the pair survived a tough season last term, this will be just their third clash in the Premiership since it was formed. However, because the pair have played each other fairly recently, we have included their Championship head-to-head as well. Last season, home advantage proved a key factor with Stoke etching out a 1-0 victory at The Brittania, while Sunderland gained their revenge by beating Stoke 2-0 at The Stadium of Light. That makes the score in the Premiership 1-1 and their results back in The Championship were pretty close as well. However, Stoke have yet to beat Sunderland on their groud but Sunderland have claimed an away victory at Stoke in the past. Back in the 2004/2005 season Sunderland beat Stoke 1-0 to record the only away victory to date between the two.

Match Verdict: Stoke City to WIN – 11/8 PaddyPower

Early form and performances would indicate that Sunderland have a good chance of taking a result away from The Brittania here although we feel they could be in for a torrid time against a solid Stoke side. Sunderland created a handful of chances at the weekend in their 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers but they will be lucky to get half-as-many against Stoke. Tony Pulis’s side get in your face and don’t allow the opposition any time on the ball with their persistent pressing off the ball. Stoke will also be a major threat from the air and a predictable goal from a set-piece from one of Stoke’s many lanky players is on the cards.

Match Odds:

Stoke City – 11/8 PaddyPower

Sunderland – 9/4 SkyBet

Draw – 9/4 BetFred

SoccerBetting Tip: Stoke to WIN to NIL – 11/4 SkyBet