Sunderland V Swansea – Saturday, 21 January 2012

Sunderland V Swansea

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

At the tenth attempt, Swansea finally recorded their first away win in the Barclay’s Premier League when comfortably beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on 2 January. Now, two weeks on, and on the back of their sublime victory over Arsenal in Wales, the Swans go in search of a second as they pay Martin O’Neill’s resurgent Sunderland a visit.

You do get the impression that Sunderland at the Stadium of Light will be a far leaner obstacle than Aston Villa at Villa Park. Martin O’Neill really has got everyone pulling in the same direction and although they were beaten for only the second time in his tenure at Chelsea last week, there were numerous positives to be had from that narrow and unfortunate loss.

The Martin O’Neill effect

Indeed, Martin O’Neill has been an instant revelation since taking over the Sunderland helm from Steve Bruce. The Black Cats have registered 13 from a possible 21 points during his brief time at the helm, three of which were earned in their last home fixture against league leaders Man City, where they’ve yet to lose thus far under the Northern Irishman.

There is also progress in the FA Cup, with Sunderland set to face local rivals Middlesbrough in the fourth round at the end of the month, as well as an impressive transformation at the back: just five goals have been shipped in their last six Premier League matches. So O’Neill genuinely is working wonders, although questions are now being asked of them following their 1-0 reverse at Chelsea.

Although the aforementioned loss was a setback, halting their spirited revival in its tracks, Martin O’Neill will have taken so much heart from the performance of several individuals; defensively they sound, limiting those title-chasing Blues, but going forward they were sublime; Stephane Sessegnon was a persistent threat and combined effectively with Nicklas Bendtner time and time again, the confident Dane who was one of a select few not to shine.

On another day, Sunderland would have taken at least a point from their visit to Stamford Bridge, though their overall performance merited even more than that.

Plucky Swans claim biggest scalp yet

Confidence must surely be at an all-time high in the Swansea camp following last week’s sensational victory over Arsenal. It was no more than they deserved, too. From start to finish they were incredible, out-passing the Gunners which in itself is truly remarkable. Some of their football was a joy to behold, as was their ruthless finishing as goals from Scott Sinclair (penalty), Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham sealed a memorable 3-2 win that nobody at Swansea will ever forget.

On the basis of their latest performance, Swansea stand every chance of achieving a feat they’ve managed just once since regaining their top flight status – and that’s win on the road. In Wales they’re menacing; anywhere else, tame. But the sheer fact their first ever away win in the Premier League was earned in their most recent away encounter, at Aston Villa, has to be a positive, right?

The scalp of Arsenal combined with their away victory of the season means Swansea are on their best run to date, targeting their third straight win on Wearside. They’re also unbeaten in four and if they could keep that run going with a result at the Stadium of Light – doesn’t matter what kind, really – than I’m sure Brendan Rodgers will be delighted. They’ll have their work cut out though!

Match Pointers

- Their first meeting in 20 years finished 0-0 at the Liberty Stadium over in Wales back in August.

- Sunderland haven’t beaten Swansea at home in almost half a century, since a 1-0 win in April 1964. There have been three meetings on Wearside since then, with two ending in stalemate and the other (1982) in a Swansea victory.

- Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland dropped out of the top half of the table with defeat to Chelsea (1-0) last time out, a result which ended their four-game unbeaten run in the league (W3 D1).

- The Black Cats have lost only once at the Stadium of Light in over four months (W3 D4 L1) – a shock 2-1 defeat to rock-bottom Wigan, and none of their previous three matches there.

- Sunderland have conceded just five goals in their previous six Premier League home games, shutting out Manchester City in their last home game in a surprise 1-0 victory over the league leaders.

- Swansea stunned Arsenal in their last Premier League game, recording a 3-2 win over the Gunners on home soil.

- The Swans have only won once on their travels so far this season (W1 D3 L6), though it was their most recent away encounter, at Aston Villa (0-2) – and have accrued the fewest points away from home in the top flight (8 from 30).

- Only Fulham (7) have conjured fewer away goals than Swansea (8), who average just under a goal per game on their travels.

Betting

Prediction: Sunderland to WIN @ 5/6 PaddyPower

How could anyone oppose Swansea after their antics against the Gunners? Brendan Rodgers’ charges will be oozing confidence when they arrive at the Stadium of Light. Their hosts, though, will be desperate to avenge a rare setback suffered under new manager Martin O’Neill, who in his one-and-a-half-month tenure has changed the team’s fortunes dramatically.

Confidence – there are few things more important in football. Sunderland were devoid of any when they played out a goalless draw with Swansea over in Wales last August, yet they still managed to carve out some decent openings. They’re oozing the stuff now, which is why I strongly fancy them to continue their fine vein of form at home, having won three of four at the Stadium of Light under Martin O’Neill, against a Swansea side who away from home just aren’t the same proposition, having won one of ten outside of Wales, scoring a meagre eight times.

Value Bet: Stephane Sessegnon to Score @ 15/8 Boylesports

I’ve been impressed with just how quickly the Cameroon international has settled in the North East. He hasn’t scored anywhere near as many goals as he should, but he’s a tremendous athlete who doesn’t stop plugging away and if he produces a performance like his last, where he caused Chelsea all sorts of problems with his rapid pace and quick feet, he could go mighty close to adding to his seven Sunderland goals. It may take something a little bit different to unlock a usually well-drilled Swansea rearguard; Sessegnon is certainly that.

Match Odds

Sunderland – 5/6 PaddyPower

Draw – 5/2 SkyBet

Swansea – 15/4 Bet365