Sunderland V Hull City

Sunderland V Hull City

Kick-Off: Saturday 12^th September – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Stadium of Light

Sunderland

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WLWL

We’re a big lover of Sunderland this term, especially under the new management of Steve Bruce, who we’ve secretly admired for a long time now. He’s had to feast on the scraps at all his previous clubs but Sunderland chairman, Niall Quinn, has unleashed ‘Brucey’ over the summer, with Sunderland’s biggest capture being Darren Bent. The former Spurs forward has already found the net twice in Sunderland colours as he aims to repay some of the £10 Million that was spent on him by Steve Bruce.

Although Darren Bent should be a sweet piece of business, the signing of Lee Cattermole from Wigan appears to be his best acquisition. Sunderland now look more solid than ever before in midfield, with Cattermole shielding a defence that still needs reinforcing, but, as a project, it’s getting there. However, while we’re on the topic of Sunderland’s defence, Steve Bruce has been dealt a huge blow with George McCartney facing a month out on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Ireland.

A decent start for Sunderland, which consists of two victories against Bolton & Blackburn, although, defeats against Chelsea, a game they were never really going to get anything out of, and narrowly going down 1-0 at Stoke City in their most recent fixture, have provided Steve Bruce with early food for thought. Six points from four games has seen them enter the top ten and they’ll be desperate to remain there. A victory at home to Hull would see them stay in the upper reaches of the table.

Hull City

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: LLWD

We weren’t too optimistic about Hull’s chances of staying up this season but after two viewings of their newest duet; Jozy Altidore & Ghilas, they’ve got us rethinking our opinion on Hull City’s chances this ther,, although, we still aren’t impressed with manager – Phil Brown. He just comes across as a manager with no leadership qualities, he loses a game and he’s still chuckling away to himself. His presence at the helm doesn’t fill us with much confidence but credit where credits due, his recent signings could prove a master-stroke.

Hull made a terrible start to the season, losing both their opening two fixtures, both against superior teams in Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. However, their fortunes did change for the better with their first victory at The KC since December last year, and a draw away at Wolves. Now they must build on their recent success but this trip up north does represent a tough test for Phil Brown’s men, especially as there hasn’t been too many changes in the squad to the side that lost twice to Sunderland last season.

Phil Brown never sets his team up with ambitions of defending for the full 90 minutes, especially against teams he knows his side can beat. Sunderland are one of those sides and we expect Hull to play an open game. They will attack whenever possible and they will create chances, that’s a certainty, although, Hull do tend to leave gaping gaps at the back and Sunderland might profit from Hull’s attacking commitments.

Head-to-Head

Sunderland W: 2 Hull City W: 0 Draws: 0

These two clubs met for the very first time last season, and it was Sunderland who enjoyed both encounters, winning 4-1 at the KC stadium, in Hull, and then 1-0 at The Stadium of light, the venue for this very game. Sunderland completed the double over Hull last season, scoring five and conceding just one.

Match Verdict: Sunderland to WIN – 5/6 Boylesports

This is a fantastic opportunity for Sunderland to register their third win of the season and they won’t get many better. Hull haven’t won on the road since March, eight away trips ago. They will of course see this as a glorious opportunity themselves but they should come undone at the back against the likes of Kenwyn Jones & Darren Bent. If Sunderland can keep it tight at the back, they should win this game with very few scares.

Match Odds:

Sunderland – 5/6 Boylesports

Hull City – 15/4 Bet365

Draw – 5/2 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Tip: Kenwyne Jones to Score Anytime – 9/5 PaddyPower