Stoke City V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Sunderland’s miraculous revival under Martin O’Neill continued on Wednesday with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Norwich City at the Stadium of Light. Now the Northern Irishman takes his purring Black Cats to the Brittania Stadium to face a Stoke side whose recent form has been indifferent to say the least, with only one win from their previous seven league outings, but do, however, boast a flawless record in this fixture.

In the space of two months, Martin O’Neill has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes dramatically. He inherited a team who were hovering precariously above the relegation zone, with only two wins to their name after fourteen league games. Now he finds himself at the helm of a club who are eighth in the league, having already reached the 30-point milestone which usually ensures survival, and still alive in the FA Cup – albeit having to face local rivals Middlesbrough in a fourth-round replay.

Wednesday’s rout of Norwich on Wearside was Sunderland’s latest impressive display, their sixth win in nine Premier League games under O’Neill. Stephane Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell with the goals, with both players enjoying purple patches at present – the former has three in his last four league starts while Campbell has two in two games, this after a 17-month lay-off because of injury.

Martin O’Neill will demand more of the same from his in-form attacking duo, as Sunderland look to torment a Stoke side suffering from a lack of form and devoid of any momentum – as they did at the Stadium of Light back in September, when winning 4-0. Of course, Stoke could place some of the blame for that horrendous showing on the fact they were involved in European football the preceding Thursday. They’ll meet on more favourable terms this time.

Having said that, a 2-0 loss at Manchester United in midweek was the Potters’ second in quick succession in the league, following a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom – though there was a 2-0 triumph at Derby in the fourth-round of the FA Cup sandwiched in between. Furthermore, not since Tottenham were overhauled on 11 December have Stoke been victorious in a Premier League fixture at the Brittania Stadium, going their last three home games without a win.

However, Stoke do have an impressive record when it comes to hosting this fixture. Last season they prevailed 3-2 thanks to Robert Huth’s stoppage-time winner, their third consecutive victory at home to Sunderland in the Premier League, after 1-0 triumphs in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Should they make it four in a row then Stoke would climb above Sunderland into 8TH, with the pair sat side-by-side in the table, level on 30-points.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Sunderland 4-0 Stoke; 18 September, 2011. Goals from Titus Bramble, Jonathan Woodgate (OG), Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson sealed a comfortable 4-0 success for Sunderland, with Stoke feeling the affects of their Europa League commitments on the Thursday.

- Stoke are targeting their fifth consecutive league victory at home to Sunderland, whose last away win over the Potters dates back to November 2004.

- Sunderland took the lead twice on their most recent venture to the Brittania (5 February, 2011), but it was Robert Huth who popped up with a late winner for Stoke in the dying embers of the game as the hosts prevailed 3-2.

Stoke

- Stoke (League Position: 9TH; Form: DWDLL) have won only one of their previous seven Premier League matches (W1 D3 L3), during which they’ve failed to even score on four occasions.

- The Potters have failed to win any of their last three league matches at home (D2 L1), losing 2-1 to West Brom last time out at the Brittania.

- All five of Jonathan Walter’s Premier League goals this season were netted at the Brittania Stadium, three of which coming from the penalty spot.

Sunderland

- Only Manchester United (18) have taken more points from their last eight Premier League games than Sunderland (16), who have lost just one of their previous seven (W5 D1 L1).

- Sunderland have shipped just seven goals in their last nine league games, keeping clean sheets in each of their last two, at home to Norwich (3-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- The Black Cats have gone nine Premier League away games without drawing.

- Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has two goals in his last two Premier League starts; three in his last four.

Betting

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5 (SkyBet)

On current form, Sunderland are incredibly enticing at 13/5 to record their third straight league win. However, the Brittania Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for those Black Cats, with Stoke boasting a 100% record in the Premier League with three wins out of three on their own patch. A fourth would seem unlikely though, seeing as the Potters have won only once in their last seven league outings – a 2-1 win at third from bottom Blackburn – losing their most recent match at the Brittania 2-1 to West Brom.

Rarely do Stoke lose successive home games, nor can I recall the last time Sunderland went and won three on the spin in the league. I’m not sure either will occur on Saturday. Losing Wes Brown for two months is a huge blow for Sunderland, as his experience and presence in defence would have benefited them greatly in combating Stoke’s aerial and physical prowess, but they have two forwards in fantastic form and I reckon they’ll ground out a result here.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 9/1 (StanJames)

I was going to tip Stephane Sessegnon to continue his rich vein of scoring form, as he’s a player at the top of his game right now. However, I don’t think there will be too many goals – Stoke aren’t prolific wherever they play their football, while Sunderland, despite scoring three at QPR and four at Wigan recently, have only conjured 13 away goals all season.

Match Odds

Stoke – 5/4 (Boylesports)

Draw – 12/5 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 13/5 (BetVictor)

Sunderland V Norwich City

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 1 February 2012 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

A battle of mid-table proportions takes place at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday between Sunderland – unbeaten in four home Premier League games under manager Martin O’Neill – and Norwich, who are searching for their fourth straight away win in all competitions. It promises to be a competitive affair, which is why I can’t be having Sunderland at a touch of odds-on.

With three wins from four Premier League home games under Martin O’Neill’s tutelage, it’s little surprise bookmakers have them as favourites at home to Norwich – but I’m not so sure they should be odds-on. They were very poor on Sunday, at home to Middlesbrough in the fourth-round of the FA Cup, and a similarly lacklustre performance simply will not do against more ruthless opposition in Norwich.

Just six teams have plundered more goals this season than Paul Lambert’s Canaries, who are gradually evolving into an efficient outfit. It’s now one defeat in their last eight Premier League matches following their impressive 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Carrow Road; their first clean sheets of the season, would you believe, and only the third goal goalkeeper John Ruddy has conceded in his last four league starts.

So, as you can see, the momentum is clearly with the visitors, this in spite of Sunderland’s miraculous revival under O’Neill, with the Black Cats having registered more points in their last eight league games (16) than any other side in the top-flight bar Manchester United (18). Especially after the weekend’s results: whereas Sunderland scraped a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth-round, Norwich recorded their third consecutive away win by beating West Brom 2-1 for the second time in the space of a fortnight.

That’s one of the most appealing aspects with Norwich – home or away, they play with the same desire and work ethic. You get fantastic value for money with them. Contrastingly, Sunderland were worryingly off the boil on Sunderland and if they turn up in the same vein on Wednesday, they could be turned over by a team who fear nobody.

Match Facts

- Each of the previous three contests between the two on Wearside finished 1-0 to the home side, Sunderland.

- Sunderland have won three and lost none of their four home Premier League games since Martin O’Neill took charge.

- Norwich have lost just one of their last eight Premier League games (W3 D4 L1).

- The Canaries are unbeaten in four Premier League away games, winning their last two at QPR (2-1) and West Brom (2-1) – it’s three in all competitions after their 2-1 victory at West Brom in the FA Cup.

Betting

There hasn’t been more than one goal scored in any of the pair’s previous five encounters on Wearside, so I’m anticipating another evenly-fought contest. Both teams will fancy their chances of winning this; Sunderland have won three of their previous four home Premier League games – including a 1-0 win over leaders Man City at the beginning of the year – whilst Norwich are setting their sights on a fourth successive away win.

You could argue their respective forms are similar, and they are, hence why I’m backing the pair to cancel each other out in a low-scoring. Norwich are no longer leaking goals while Sunderland boast one of the stronger defensive records in the division.

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 12/5 Bet365

Value Punt: 0-0 Draw @ 11/1 BetVictor

Match Odds

Sunderland – 10/11 888Sport

Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Norwich – 15/4 StanJames

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Sunderland V Middlesbrough

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 29 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

FA Cup, Fourth Round

Preview

The FA Cup Fourth-Round draw has thrown up a North-East derby with Sunderland and Middlesbrough locking horns for the first time in a little over three years at the Stadium of Light this Sunday. It will be shown live, too, on ESPN.

Sunderland, two-time FA Cup winners in 1937 and 1973, are bidding to reach for the Fifth-Round for the first time since 2004. They’ll do just that with a third successive home win over Middlesbrough, whom have worryingly grown accustom to their Championship surroundings having spent the last two-and-a-half-years down in the second tier following their relegation from the Premier League in 2009.

It goes without saying then that Sunderland are hot favourites – although I expected slimmer odds than those currently on offer. Ladbrokes’ quote of 8/11 seems mighty generous, as while there may only be a few miles separating the two clubs, geographically speaking, in football terms they are poles apart now.

Whereas Middlesbrough are regularly coming a cropper against teams of the ilk of Coventry, who they were comprehensively beaten by last week 3-1, Sunderland have found some stable footing under Northern Irishman Martin O’Neill who has guided the team to six wins in his first nine games in charges, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Man City.

At home, too, Sunderland are especially strong. The Black Cats recorded a somewhat routine-like 2-0 win over Swansea in their most recent contest at the Stadium of Light, which is gradually beginning to fill again in tandem with the team’s revival in form. It’s now three wins from four at home under O’Neill, who remains undefeated as Sunderland manager on home soil and won’t want that impressive streak to end against one the club’s local rivals.

One of the biggest improvements that I have seen in Sunderland since the arrival of Martin O’Neill has been in defence. Steve Bruce made some astute signings in the summer by bringing in the experienced likes of John O’Shea and Wes Brown, and O’Neill is reaping the rewards. They were strong defensively anyway, but even more so now – QPR are the only team during O’Neill’s nine-game tenure to have netted more than once in 90 minutes, with just seven conceded in all.

A strong defence does bode well for the hosts; progress would be a formality, we feel, should Simon Mignolet keep his third successive clean sheet at home, to go with those earned in victories over Man City (1-0) and Swansea, as Middlesbrough are leaking goals at the minute, particularly away from home having shipped exactly three in recent visits to Blackpool (3-0) and Coventry (3-1) since the start of the New Year.

To compound their issues with form and in defence, Middlesbrough are also missing several key players for this fourth-round tie. Both Kevin Thomson and Julio Arca are suspended after seeing red in last week’s loss at Coventry, goalkeeper Jason Steele is rated doubtful while the influential Nicky Bailey remains a long-term absentee.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has only one fresh piece of team news is contend with, and that’s news of Nicklas Bendtner’s facial injuries, which will keep him sidelined for around a month. But as one enters the treatment room, another leaves with fellow striker Fraizer Campbell now available following a successful recovery from a serious injury.

Match Pointers

- First meeting between the two north-east clubs for three years, since the pair contested a 1-1 Premier League draw in January 2009.

- Middlesbrough have lost on each of their last two visits to Sunderland, this after winning three on the spin between 2002-2006.

- Sunderland defeated Peterborough 2-0 away from home in the last round while Middlesbrough edged out Shrewsbury 1-0 at home.

- Martin O’Neill has won six and lost two of his nine games in charge of Sunderland since 11 December (W6 D1 L2).

- The Black Cats have lost only once in their last nine matches at the Stadium of Light (W4 D4 L1), and are currently unbeaten in four there.

- Middlesbrough have lost three of their last four matches, with their only success during this dismal run being a 1-0 FA Cup third round victory at home to League Two Shrewsbury.

- Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough have won only three of their previous ten away matches, losing five and conceding three in each of their last two (W3 D2 L5).

Betting

I really cannot see past a Sunderland victory here. I’ve said it countless times recently, but Martin O’Neill has his Black Cats purring. Six wins from his nine games in charge is a remarkable achievement when you consider his predecessor only managed two in his last fourteen at the helm. Sunderland have been especially awesome at home, where last week they comfortably beat Swansea 2-0. It was also where they inflicted a rare loss on Manchester City on New Year’s Day.

On just a handful of occasions has Sunderland’s defence been breached during Martin O’Neill’s tenure. Now Middlesbrough are certainly capable of firing past Belgian shot-stopper Simon Mignolet, even if they are far from the most prolific team in the Championship, but defensively they’re a mess and on the back of successive heavy away defeats, to Blackpool (3-0) and Coventry (3-1), I can see Sunderland enjoying a lot more success in the final third than Tony Mowbray’s out of sorts Boro.

Prediction: Sunderland to WIN @ 8/11 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Sunderland to WIN 3-1 @ 14/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Sunderland – 8/11 Ladbrokes

Draw – 14/5 BetVictor

Middlesbrough – 5/1 ToteSport

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

Peterborough V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 8 January 2012 – 15:30 GMT

Venue: London Road

Preview

Premier League Sunderland go to Peterborough of the Championship in the Third Round of the FA Cup on Sunday keen to continue their fine vein of form under new manager Martin O’Neill. The hosts, though, can sniff an upset and at London Road, where Darren Ferguson’s team are renowned for their prolific scoring tendencies, Posh will certainly test the credentials of a side who many punters believe could be the stand-out each-way value in this year’s tournament.

Due to their current upturn in form, thanks in no small part to the appointment of a manager who conveniently boasts a proven track record in the domestic cups, Sunderland are many people’s idea of value for the 2011/12 FA Cup. The Wearside club are 50/1 with WilliamHill to claim their third success in this competition – to secure their first FA Cup since 1973 – and while it’s unlikely that an outsider will go all the way to Wembley and lift the trophy, every now and then a team threatens to defy all the odds – so why not a rejuvenated Sunderland?

Since Martin O’Neill’s arrival at Sunderland, succeeding the sacked Steve Bruce in December, the Black Cats have taken ten points from a possible twelve in the league, found goals markedly easier to come by, and even turned over current top flight pacesetters Manchester City. Now that’s some transformation, and that’s before he has had a chance to stamp his mark on the team with a few signings of his own in the January transfer window.

The Northern Irishman has also inherited a talented group of players as well, a strong squad that is capable of rising to the occasion – as they demonstrated at home to Manchester City on New Year’s Day. They proved that their fine performance against the current Premier League leaders wasn’t a fluke by hammering Wigan next time out, scoring four at the DW Stadium in a comfortable 4-1 victory which saw Sunderland climb into the top half of the top flight.

It goes without saying, then, that morale is sky-high around Wearside amongst supporters, and the same goes for the confidence levels inside the Sunderland dressing room. However injuries could soon put a damper on things, with Martin O’Neill missing a large chunk of his squad for the trip to Peterborough. Goalkeeper Keiran Westwood, defenders Wes Brown, Titus Bramble, Phil Bardsley and Michael Turner, along with midfielder Sebastian Larsson are all doubtful for the clash.

Peterborough themselves are a little light; manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United’s Sir Alex, is shorn of Lee Tomlin and Lee Frecklington, as well as set-piece specialist Grant McCann, but has been granted permission to use on-loan trio Josh Thompson, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wootton.

Posh go into Sunday’s game having not lost over the festive period, with the side who sit 14TH in the Championship currently without defeat in five in a sequence which does include impressive draws away at Leicester and Middlesbrough. However, the absence of some of their more influential attacking figures has been felt with the team failing to score more than one goal in each of those previously mentioned five games.

Without their renowned forward potency, are Peterborough really a threat to in-form Sunderland?

Match Pointers

- This will be only their sixth competitive meeting; Sunderland have triumphed in each of the previous, four of five altogether, and won their only FA Cup encounter with Peterborough so far 7-1 way back in 1967.

- Championship side Peterborough sit 15TH in their division, 24 places below 10TH-placed Sunderland in the Premier League.

- Peterborough go into the tie unbeaten in five Championship matches (W2 D3), scoring precisely one goal in all five.

- There have been more goals in Peterborough’s matches this season than any other team in the Championship (44 FOR, 41 AGAINST – 85 TOTAL).

- Sunderland have yet to suffer a defeat under new manager Martin O’Neill, with the Northern Irishman winning three of his four games in charge thus far including a 1-0 win over Premiership leaders Man City.

- The Black Cats have won their last two games away from home, at QPR and Wigan, scoring seven goals in total.

Betting

Match Outcome: Sunderland to WIN @ EVENS with PaddyPower

I asked the same question in my preview, but are Peterborough capable of causing Sunderland any real problems with their misfiring forward line as it is? Posh have scored just five times in as many games and are missing a number of key creative players who may have been able to unlock the defence of the Premier League outfit. Without them, and with what’s left at Darren Ferguson’s disposal, I am left with little alternative but to back the favourites – a Sunderland team in high-spirits, bang in form with three wins from their last four, and who have the cover to replace their injured personnel.

First Goalscorer: Nicklas Bendtner @ 11/2 with BetFred

He hasn’t had the desired affect the club, the fans nor even he expected he would when he signed for the club in the summer on loan from Arsenal, however Nicklas Bendtner should be accustomed to scoring against this level opposition. After all, most of his appearances for the Gunners were in the domestic cup competitions. The lanky Dane, who can never be criticised for a lack of confidence, is 11/2 favourite to open the scoring in a contest where few others stand out in this particular market.

Stephane Sessegnon has some form of appeal at 6/1, while Emile Sinclair (8/1) and George Boyd (9/1) are the most likely for Peterborough.

Match Odds

Peterborough – 3/1 VictorChandler

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Sunderland – 1/1 (EVENS) PaddyPower

Sunderland V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 1 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

Without a win in three on their travels, Manchester City will happily turn to a fixture, and a ground, which has served them well over the years for a timely New Year boost – Sunderland away at the Stadium of Light. The Citizens have been victorious on four of their seven visits in the Premier League, losing just twice, and as the top flight’s leading scorers, both in general and on the road, bookmakers naturally expect them to comply, at what has clearly been a happy hunting ground for the Manchester club.

However, it should be noted that Roberto Mancini is yet to record a win at the Stadium of Light as Manchester City manager. In his first visit there, back in March 2010, the Italian was fortunate to see his side scrape a 1-1 draw, with winger Adam Johnson scoring in stoppage time to salvage a point. Meanwhile last season’s corresponding fixture ended in disaster; Darren Bent converting a last-gasp winner from the penalty spot to seal a rare home triumph for Sunderland in this fixture.

Furthermore, City’s Boxing Day goalless draw with West Brom at The Hawthorns meant it is now three without a win on the road for the big-spending Italian and his charges, who haven’t taken maximum points away from home in the league since 5 November.

Although their odds of victory would suggest they are primed to return to winning ways, this is by no means a formality for Man City. Their opponents this weekend are enjoying a renaissance of sorts under new manager Martin O’Neill, with the Black Cats registering seven points from their last four matches since the Northern Irishman’s arrival.

So, if anything, it is Sunderland who go into the game in high spirits. They should also be going into it with back-to-back home wins as well. Howard Webb’s blunder in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Boxing Day, when wrongly awarding the Merseyside club the chance to level from the spot, denied Martin O’Neill his second win as Sunderland boss at the Stadium of Light, which would have followed up his side’s impressive comeback victory over Blackburn earlier in December.

As it is, Sunderland are looking to bounce back from the disappointment sustained at home to Everton and must do so without several first-team personnel. Ominously, ahead of the visit of the Premier League’s most prolific travellers, Martin O’Neill is set to be without defenders Phil Bardsley, Michael Turner and Titus Bramble, while there are also doubts over Kieran Richardson’s availability, with the versatility player suffering from illness.

Manchester City’s chief, Roberto Mancini, doesn’t have anywhere near the same problems. In fact, City take almost a clean bill of health with them to Wearside, with Carlos Tevez their only confirmed absentee – for obvious reasons.

Match Pointers

In their previous 14 Premier League meetings Sunderland have won only once, there has been just one draw while Manchester City have triumphed on no fewer than 11 occasions – though it was Sunderland who won last season’s corresponding fixture at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have lost just one of their previous seven league matches at home (W2 D4 L1) and would have made it back-to-back home wins under Martin O’Neill had it not been for a dubious penalty given against them in their 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Everton.

After winning five of their opening six away league games, Man City find themselves without an away win in three following draws at Liverpool (1-1) and West Brom (0-0) as well as losing 2-1 to title rivals Chelsea (2-1).

The Citizens have, however, kept clean sheets in each of their previous three matches, against Arsenal, Stoke and West Brom.

No team has plundered more goals away from home this season than Manchester City (25), who had scored a minimum of two goals in every away game before embarking on this three-match winless away run of theirs.

Betting

On current form, Sunderland should give the favourites a run for their money. There’s a new boss in town in the shape of fan-favourite Martin O’Neill and he hasn’t wasted any time getting those Wearside slackers into shape, taking more points in his first four games in charge than former Black Cat Steve Bruce managed in his final nine outings. But their lack of familiar faces at the back could prove their downfall.

There isn’t a worse time to be without key defenders, than before a crucial meeting with league leaders Manchester City, a team whose forward prowess has left many this season seeing stars. They are the league’s top scorers with 53 goals in 18 games, 25 of which have come from just nine away outings. But they’ve stumbled recently, failing to win any of their previous three league matches away from Eastlands – though all three were tricky outings.

Like I said, on current form this may have been a close-run thing. But I must stress the ‘may’ part. Even had Martin O’Neill had the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad, squeezing anything out of this fixture would have been excruciatingly difficult. Without a number of key men at the back, and with their only fit and available recognised striker failing to inspire, with Nicklas Bendtner very hit and miss this season, I am seriously devoid of any confidence in the home side.

Manchester City aren’t the greatest odds for an away side, but they’ll do for me on this occasion.

Recommended Bet: Manchester City to WIN – 4/7 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals (4 or More) – 2/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Sunderland – 6/1 BetFred

Draw – 10/3 Boylesports

Manchester City – 4/7 WilliamHill

Wolves V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 4 December – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Molineux

Preview

A mammoth encounter take places at Molineux this weekend between Wolves and managerless Sunderland – and it’s a repeat of last season’s classic, when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored an 89th minute winner to complete a memorable comeback for Wolves. We’re unlikely to witness another five-goal thriller, but what we will be treated to is an abundance of passion, heart and plenty of endeavour as two teams struggling near the foot of the league do battle for three precious points.

The phrase ‘six-pointer’ does get thrown about very easily these days, but that is exactly what we have on our hands here. Locked on 11 points, Wolves and Sunderland hover precariously above the relegation places, in 17th and 16th respectively, having both struggled to establish any winning consistency this season. There will be scenes of jubilation in the winners’ dressing room, but contrastingly emotions of despair for the losers who could, depending on how those below them fare on the Saturday, drop into the dreaded bottom three.

No shortage of motivation then, for both sides, as the pair prepare to slog it out in the Midlands, in front of the Sky Sports cameras. It will be Sunderland’s first match since the departure of Steve Bruce, who shown the door on Wednesday after two-and-a-half-years at the club, and caretaker manager Eric Black will be hoping his side can end a run of four games without a win. Meanwhile Wolves, who go into the game on the back of consecutive away defeats to Everton and Chelsea, will look to record their second straight win at home following their 3-1 victory over Wigan last month.

Wolves

League Position: 17th

League Form: DLWLL

Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy is boosted by the returns of Jamie O’Hara and Stephen Hunt, with the midfield duo missing last week’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge through suspension. Wolves found themselves completely overrun in midfield without Jamie O’Hara in the side, whose calm and collective approach when in possession – as well as being the best passer in the Wolves team – means he’s a huge asset and will be welcomed back with open arms by both his manager and team-mates.

Having Karl Henry out suspended is a minor blow, though it shouldn’t hinder their chances, although defenders Richard Stearman and Kevin Foley are both out injured. But all in all, Mick McCarthy has his key men fit and raring to go for yet another six-pointer. Their last being last month’s clash with Wigan, on 6 November, also at Molineux, and if the result then was anything to go by, with Wolves cruising to a 3-1 victory, then the Midlands could be in celebratory mood come Sunday night.

Turning up in the crunch games, against their rivals for survival, was a real issue for Wolves last season. Not this season, though. So far they’ve recorded huge wins over Blackburn (1-2), Fulham (2-0) and Wigan (3-1), though they did crash to defeats at West Brom (2-0) and at home to QPR (0-3). Moreover, losing their last two, regardless of who it was against – Everton and Chelsea – is far from ideal in terms or preparation.

A mixed big then really, with Wolves rarely lacking spirit and endeavour but producing quality when it really matters is a definite grey area. Jamie O’Hara will doubtless bolster the levels of creativity in the final third substantially, but for me strike duo Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher have to do so much more, as industry alone won’t win matches. Wolves have only scored 13 goals this season, home and away – only Swansea and West Brom have netted fewer.

Sunderland

League Position: 16th

League Form: WDLDL

On the back of a miserable run of four games without a win, Sunderland were already lacking betting appeal. Now they’re without a manager, following the club’s decision to sack Steve Bruce, with Eric Black set to take charge of first-team affairs until a permanent successor can be found. So will anyone be courageous enough as to back some stray Black Cats delivering a winning performance at a ground they’ve not won at since 1998?

I suppose it was inevitable in many ways, with Sunderland seriously struggling for form. They had only won two games all season before the club took drastic measures by sacking Steve Bruce earlier in the week, and in fairness there weren’t too many occasions where they didn’t win and probably should have. So perhaps a change was needed, even though I was bitterly disappointed to see Bruce go.

Last week however, at home to Wigan, Sunderland definitely should have won. With the chances they created and the manner in which they controlled the game, particularly in the first half, it is truly remarkable how they lost. Even a draw would have been a dismal result, but to lose, and in that manner, with Wes Brown having a right mare, literally was the last straw as far as Ellis Short was concerned, the club chairman.

Ironically, a similar performance to that which should have seen them take maximum points at home to Wigan would be enough to take something from this crucial fixture. It’s one they can ill-afford to lose, that is for sure, as defeat could result in them spending the next week languishing in the relegation zone – without a manager, too. Fortunately, Black doesn’t have any fresh injuries or suspensions to deal with in his first match in charge, so it may actually be the same eleven which lost at home to Wigan which starts at Molineux.

Match Pointers

- Wolves are on a three-match winning streak versus Sunderland in the league, winning last season’s encounter at Molineux 3-2 after coming from 2-1 down. Kevin Foley, Stephen Hunt and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake with the goals for Wolves, while Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck, who are no longer at the club, were on target for the Black Cats.

- These two sit side by side in the table, with Wolves (W3 D2 L8) in 17th and Sunderland (W2 D5 L6) in 16th.

- Wolves have lost their previous two league games, going down 2-1 at Everton and 3-0 at Chelsea, but have taken four points from their last two matches at home: 2-2 draw with Swansea and a 3-1 victory over Wigan.

- In their last three home league games, Wolves have conceded a combined sum of five goals – but what’s strange is that all five were conceded in the opening 45 minutes.

- Sunderland are without a win in their last four (D2 L2), and have suffered defeats in three of their last four away from home.

- Sebastian Larsson (2), Stephane Sessgnon and Nicklas Bendtner are the only Sunderland players to have scored away from home this season.

Betting

I’m still baffled as to how Sunderland lost last week’s game with Wigan. I’m sure Steve Bruce will have spent much of the week building up to his departure thinking the exact same. An encouraging performance nonetheless, but the result was all that mattered, with Bruce’s shock sacking speaking for itself.

As for Wolves, they were deservedly, and thoroughly, beaten at Stamford Bridge by a Chelsea side lacking in confidence and form, yet still managed to score three in a comfortable 3-0 success. Quite simply, Wolves never turned up, which has been the case on a couple of occasions this season. They don’t normally do it two games in a row, and rarely at Molineux, but worrying nonetheless.

Few would argue that Steve Bruce acquired quality in the summer, with this Sunderland team packing the necessary invention and craft to create chances and score goals, but they’re taking an absolute age to click.

You’ll struggle to find a side more united than Wolves, who are rarely spectacular but almost always dogged and determined. But they too have lacked cohesion going forward, scoring just 13 times in as many games, and so could struggle to break down a Sunderland defence which, while it was poor last weekend, has generally been rock-solid this season.

A dour draw for me, so in stark contrast to last season’s epic 3-2 3encounter. A 0-0 correct score is my value pick, but be warned as I don’t remember the last time I successfully predicted a goalless draw.

Match Outcome: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 10/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Wolves – 64 WilliamHill

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Sunderland – 85/40 VictorChandler

Sunderland V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

The last thing these pair of stragglers needed was an influx of injuries – yet that is the card that has been dealt to both managers. The only positive for both is their teams go head-to-head with each other at the weekend, both eager to capitalise on the other’s misfortunes – on and off the pitch.

A knee injury sustained in the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Manchester United will keep young Connor Wickham sidelined until after Christmas, leaving his manager with only on-loan Nicklas Bendtner as a viable striking option. Now that in itself is a frightening prospect. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is also out injured with a suspected fractured eye socket, while set-piece specialist Seb Larsson, who just so happens to be Sunderland’s leading marksmen this season, will serve a one-match suspension on Saturday for an accumulation of cautions.

Sunderland have won only two matches thus far this season, even exiting the Carling Cup at the earliest possible departure point, so the absence of several influential figures will only handicap them further – as well as heap yet more pressure on manager Steve Bruce, who is one of the front runners in the ‘Next Managerial Departure’ betting market.

Despite only managing two league wins since taking charge in the summer, Fulham chief Martin Jol isn’t in the frame for the sack according to bookmaker StanJames, who have the Dutchman at long odds of 40/1 to be the next manager to leave his post. In fairness, the club do have a reputation for granting struggling managers time, as Mark Hughes was given the entirety of last season despite a sluggish start to his reign. Even so, his position is far from secure based on his team’s current wayward form.

The Cottagers reside in 16th, level on points with Sunderland but just one clear of third from bottom Bolton. What that means is a fourth away loss of the season at the Stadium of Light this weekend could relegate Martin Jol’s team to a stint in the relegation zone. However, a 2-0 victory at Wigan in their last away assignment does enhance their claims somewhat, as does their 3-0 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture on Wearside.

Martin Jol’s injury problems aren’t as widespread as Steve Bruce’s, with the former shorn of defenders in particular. Central defender Aaron Hughes sat out Fulham’s 3-1 home defeat to Tottenham before the international break and is rated doubtful for the trip to Sunderland. Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos are both carrying knocks while summer signing Zdenek Grygera has been ruled out for six months after damaging knee ligaments.

So, which of the two – if either – will pounce on the other’s shortcomings? Neither boast a great deal of depth to their squads. The international will have helped Sunderland a whole lot more than Fulham, whose ageing squad has played more competitive matches this season than any other in the Premier League, while most featured prominently during the break for their country.

Match Pointers

Sunderland

League Position: 15th

League Form: DLWDL

- Sunderland are without a win in their last four league meetings with Fulham, while the Black Cats have only won three of their fourteen encounters in the Premier League overall (W3 D5 L6).

- Steve Bruce’s Sunderland have kept only one clean sheet in thirteen Premier League home games, and they’ve conceded precisely two goals in three of their previous four at the Stadium of Light.

Fulham

League Position: 16th

League Form: WLLWL

- Fulham have kept clean sheets in five of the pair’s six previous meetings, including last season’s encounter at the Stadium of Light in which the West London outfit ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

- Since the start of last season, Fulham have won just four times away from home in the Premier League (W4 D10 L10).

Betting

Sunderland are extremely hit and miss and would usually be an easy favourite to pass up, but their opponents this weekend are a Fulham side who have contested more fixtures this season than anyone else. A recent break for internationals will have done more harm than good considering most of Martin Jol’s ranks are full-time internationals. So I suspect the fresher legs on Sunderland’s part will come in handy, especially in breaking down a Fulham defence shorn of a few useful individuals who would have started had they been fit.

The hosts for me then, with Sunderland bidding to avenge last season’s 3-0 hammering sustained in this very fixture. It’s 22/1 they reverse that scoreline.

Match Outcome: Sunderland to WIN @ 11/8 VictorChandler

Value Bet: Sunderland 3-0 @ 22/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Sunderland – 11/8 VictorChandler

Draw – 23/10 SkyBet

Fulham – 23/10 Boylesports

Sunderland V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 September 2011 (15:00 GMT)

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

Despite taking seven points from a possible nine under Andre Villas-Boas’ stewardship, Chelsea are still to convince those sceptics who believe this current squad is too old to mount a title challenge. Then again, there is also a saying that to win championships you must win games when you aren’t at your best, and the Blues certainly fit that description after fortuitous victories over West Brom (2-1) and Norwich (3-1) at Stamford Bridge.

Fans were expecting some high-speed, free-flowing football when the club announced that former FC Porto tactician Andrew Villas-Boas would take the reigns of an ageing Chelsea squad that in its final few months under former manager Carlo Ancelotti lacked any forward thrust or cutting edge. The new season is still young but I haven’t noticed any dramatic changes in Chelsea’s attacking approach – the full-backs are still their biggest threat going forward, Lampard is once again pulling all the strings in midfield while Fernando Torres still can’t locate the back of that thing called a net.

However two wins out of three isn’t all bad, it’s pretty decent in fact, and Saturday’s trip to Sunderland provides them with a glorious opportunity to really lay down a marker and hopefully build some confidence in a fixture, and at a venue, where they’ve found goals just as easy to come by as points: Chelsea have won on each of their last six visits to the Stadium of Light, plundering a minimum of three goals on each of their previous three.

During his time at Sunderland, Steve Bruce has dreaded this fixture more than other. In his first season in charge his charges shipped ten goals in just two encounters, while they were hammered 4-2 in last season’s Stadium of Light clash. But the 50-year-old will not forget November’s Stamford Bridge meeting in a hurry – the Black Cats well and truly landing the cream with a sensational 3-0 win.

So what are the chances of Sunderland springing another surprise? I couldn’t discount such a scenario, even with their atrocious record at the Stadium of Light – Bruce’s team have lost seven and won only one of their last nine at home in the league. Sebastian Larsson will be dangerous from dead-ball situations, Sessegnon has bags of pace, is by no means afraid to try his luck from distance, and has been a lively, enigmatic character ever since he touched down on Wearside in January. Asamoah Gyan has flattered to deceive so far this season but is a big-game player.

There could even be a fairytale début for Nicklas Bendtner, the striker on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the term who is determined to prove his former employers that they missed a trick with him.

Chelsea’s record away to Sunderland is verging on flawless, however the Blues will need to have their wits about them, especially in their current hap-hazard form. Against Norwich in their most recent contest, the Blues were all over the place and were extremely fortunate not to concede on more than just the occasion as the Canaries created chance after chance in the second period. David Luiz could return to shore up the defence although Raul Meireles, who switched allegiances from Liverpool to Chelsea on the final day of the window, will have to recover from a shoulder injury before he makes his début.

Match Pointers

Clashed on 20 occasions in Premier League – Chelsea dominant with 14 wins to Sunderland’s 5.

The Blues have won on each of their last six visits to the Stadium of Light, with a record of W6 D1 L3 on Wearside during Premier League era.

There have been an average of 5 goals in their last six league meetings (32 in total), with Chelsea having notched a minimum of three goals on each of their last three visits to Sunderland.

Last season’s Stadium of Light encounter ended 4-2 to Chelsea, with Lampard scoring his sixth goal against Sunderland for Chelsea.

Nicolas Anelka has seven goals in five appearances against Sunderland as a Chelsea player.

Chelsea have won none of their last three away Premier League matches.

Sunderland have lost seven and won only once in their last nine league games at the Stadium of Light (W1 D1 L7).

Betting Verdict

Just going by their respective starts to the season, Chelsea merit their odds-on quote. Going by their performances, however, Sunderland definitely represent value.

The Black Cats put in a spirited performance on the opening day away at Liverpool and got their just rewards with a 1-1 draw. The following weekend they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at home, but Bruce’s team created numerous chances and that match really could have swung either way. The same away at Swansea in a 0-0 draw.

As for Chelsea, they’ve been so average it’s unreal. Boas’ side never looked like scoring against Stoke on the opening weekend, while both West Brom and Norwich had chances to put their clashes at Stamford Bridge beyond the hosts’ reach, and in the end the pair of them paid a heavy price.

So long as Sunderland don’t sit back and attack a defence which has been exposed by two mediocre attacking outfits in West Brom and Norwich, Steve Bruce’s men look a touch of value to ground out a point – though the taking of chances will be crucial, so step up Asamoah Gyan.

Match Prediction: Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Value Bet: Asamoah Gyan to Score – 11/4 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Sunderland – 4/1 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Chelsea – 8/11 SkyBet