Sunderland

Blackburn V Sunderland

Blackburn Preview: Suddenly there is a big window of opportunity which has opened up for Steve Kean and Blackburn in their struggles against relegation. Rovers pulled off a comfortable 2-0 away win at Wolves on their last outing, and with a win on Tuesday night, can pull themselves six points clear of the drop and at this stage of the season, that could prove to be massive. Back to back wins right now for Blackburn would be huge, as the four teams below them at the foot of the table are struggling for three pointers. Blackburn’s win over Wolves was quite comfortable, whether that is a measure of Blackburn’s quality to avoid relegation, or just a summation of how Wolves is remains to be seen over the end of season run in. Rovers have won four, drawn one and lost nine at home this season, and they are undefeated in their last two games at Ewood Park. Those results were a point against Aston Villa and a win over QPR, and when look at Blackburn’s form, they seem to pulling points together. In their last four league matches, they have won two, drawn one and lost one, and they are the only ones in the relegation battle who are actually showing signs of having enough to escape. What Blackburn have done well recently is take advantage of the fixture list, taking points off fellow strugglers QPR and Wolves. That has been huge for Rovers and now they take on a Sunderland side which are struggling for points and goals, so Blackburn could well be breathing a little bit easier after Tuesday. Blackburn have scored twenty home goals this season, but have conceded on average, almost two goals per game and there has been no clean sheets this season at Ewood Park. So Steve Kean’s men are showing a bit of fighting spirit, the key to this match could just be getting in front (something Blackburn haven’t been good at this season) and then hanging on. There could be enough from the likes of Yakubu and Hoilett to squeeze Blackburn through this big match.

Sunderland Preview: While Blackburn have been resting up ahead of this midweek fixture, Sunderland were embroiled in a tough tussle at Goodison Park against Everton in the FA Cup on Saturday. After opening the scoring at Goodison, Everton fought their way back into things, and the Black Cats were second best for most of the match. Sunderland are struggling for goals at the moment, not scoring more than one goal in any of their last five league matches. However, they are a very hard working team, industrious, if not that clinical pushing forward. Truthfully, they could be susceptible to a spirited Blackburn display, and now the Black Cats, who are safe in mid table, could have more focus on the FA Cup replay than this match. There has just been one win in the last four league matches for Sunderland, and that triumph came in their last league match, which was a hard earned effort over Liverpool. The Black Cats are generally pretty solid and organised at the back, an area which has been improved under Martin O’Neill. They have had a couple of lapses of late but only average conceding 1.29 goals per match away from home. Sunderland have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six away matches, the most recent being a 1-1 tie in a heated affair at Newcastle United. Sunderland had a tough weekend against Everton, were chasing the ball a lot and that could play against them in the long run at Ewood Park. From an even stance though, they are good enough to at least come away with a draw, it could just be how much Blackburn throw at them on the night.

Odds: Blackburn 7/5, Draw 12/5, Sunderland 15/8 at Bet365

Form (most recent result last): Blackburn LWLDW, Sunderland WLLDW

Stat Attack:

• Sunderland’s most frequent away results this season have been 2-1 and 1-0 defeats
• Sunderland won 2-1 against Blackburn at the Stadium of Light this season
• Rovers have not kept a clean sheet at home this season
• Rovers have conceded at least one goal in all of their home games this season

Recommended Bet: The stars are aligning for Blackburn here. They are the rested of the two sides, they can put a huge amount of pressure on the other relegation threatened teams. This is a big chance for them to grab. Blackburn to win by a one goal margin for 3/1 at Bet Victor looks a decent option.

Everton Preview: We are seriously getting down to the business end of the FA Cup now, as we look towards teams securing a semi final spot. Everton suffered a 3-0 loss against Liverpool in the Premier League Merseyside derby on Tuesday night, but wouldn’t read too much into that. That snapped Everton’s very good form in the league and cup this season, and seeing Everton give up that many goals is a bit of anomaly They actually played pretty well, but just couldn’t get the break in front of goal against Liverpool, and that is the only thing which stops Everton being a stronger side, lack of goals. Everton have only scored more than one goal in their last sixteen Premier League matches, so that indicates just how tight Everton matches are.

It should be the same against against Sunderland, as these two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light back in December. Home advantage here will be crucial for David Moyes and Everton, as that is where their stubborn resistance always shines. Let’s not forget that they have beaten both Chelsea and Tottenham in recent weeks at Goodison Park. Everton have been at home all the way so far in this year’s FA Cup, beating Tamworth, Fulham and then Blackpool in the last round. This presents their toughest challenge so far on the road to Wembley. Everton’s record against Sunderland pretty much speaks for itself, and that is why the Toffees will be favourites to go through.

Sunderland Preview: If Martin O’Neill were to secure Sunderland the FA Cup this season, it really would be a big turn around from the miserable fortunes in the early part of the season under Steve Bruce. It would also be a turnaround in history because Sunderland have struggled badly at Goodison Park. While O’Neill turned the Black Cats around, their form has dipped just a little bit, winning just one of their last four league matches. That win came in their last appearance, where they outworked and out-battled Liverpool at the Stadium of Light for a 1-0 win. Sunderland have tightened up quite a bit defensively (aside from a recent 4-0 loss at West Brom), but after a good run, the goals have just tried up a little bit going forward.

There have only been four away wins in the Premier League for Sunderland, and have only won one of their last four matches on the road. They do look a spirited cup side though, and they knocked out Arsenal in the last round with a 2-0 win at home over the Gunners. After a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the third round, Sunderland needed a replay to get past Championship side Middlesbrough in the fourth round. The away factor makes Sunderland a bit of an underdog, but you can expect a lot of hard work being put in through the midfield from the Black Cats.

Odds: Everton 20/21, Draw 12/5, Sunderland 16/5 at BetFair

Stat Attack
Sunderland have won just two league matches in 30 years at Everton
Sunderland have lost the last four at Goodison, scoring just one goal and conceding 14
Everton have scored in every FA Cup 6^th Round tie played at Goodison
Sunderland have never lost an FA Cup 6^th Round match away from home
Everton hold an 11-4 record in FA Cup meetings between these two.

Recommended Bet: Strong indicators that it is going to be a win for Everton here, but a draw wouldn’t be totally out of the question. Everton are hard to break down as always, but Sunderland are looking a decent, and evenly matched side. An Everton 1 Goal Winning Margin is nicely priced at 11/4 with Bet365.

Sunderland v Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish’s men haven’t been far from the headlines one way or another this season, and after tasting the joys of Carling Cup final success against Cardiff, it was back down to earth with a bump as they lost at home against Arsenal in the Premier League. Liverpool conceded a late goal by Robin van Persie, in a match which they were in control of for most of the time. Again, like so many times this season, what has hurt them has been lack of finishing power and wastefulness in front of goal. Liverpool have only scored thirty league goals this season, which is on a par with the likes of Swansea, Villa and Wolves, but what has just kept Liverpool’s head above water, is their very good defence (the second best in the Premier League). Liverpool’s problems in front of goal is highlighted in their eight drawn home matches this season. Away from home in the Premier League this season, there has been six wins, six loses and a draw for Liverpool this season, and they have scored fifteen and conceded fifteen goals on their travels. So that highlights how hard they are to break down, but they go to Sunderland on the back of successive defeats against Manchester United and Arsenal so need a pick me up. Their only win in their last seven way away at Wolves. This has left the Reds trailing fourth place in the league by a massive ten points now, so Champions League looks unlikely for them next season. Looking at their away form, there has been three defeats in their last three matches. Is that form which Sunderland could expose? The Black Cats continue to have a mixed season, by they have been a much improved force under Martin O’Neill. They went on a stretch of five wins in six, but their good form has been halted with two defeats and a draw in their last three Premier League matches. Sunderland are a pretty tidy side at home and really don’t concede all that much. They earned themselves a 1-1 draw at Anfield on the first day of the season. Their downfall for most of the season has not been scoring enough, and that is why they stand with a W5 D4 L4 home record this season. Sunderland have won three of their last four home matches, and they should give Liverpool a big test. The Black Cats will be without Lee Catermole who was sent off after the final whistle of their derby match against Newcastle last time out.

Verdict: While Sunderland cause teams a lot of problems at home, Liverpool did play well in their last match against Arsenal. Probably one of their best matches of the season, but their lack of strike power hurt them again. There shouldn’t be many goals at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, as the defences could cancel each other out. But Liverpool would be happy to come away with a scrappy win and they are just favourites to take the three points.

Form: Sunderland WWLLD, Liverpool LWDLL

Key Stat: Liverpool have won four of their last five matches at Sunderland in the Premier League, and the Black Cats have only managed one win out of eleven against the Reds in recent times. Liverpool should just have the extra tough of quality throughout to take three points in this one. Remember, Liverpool have only drawn one away match this season, so there should be a result either way.

Odds: Liverpool Evens, Draw 12/5, Sunderland 14/5 at Bet365

Recommended Bet: Liverpool -0.75 Asian Handicap for 6/5 at Bet365 should provide some decent coverage on the Reds taking the win.

Chelsea V Bolton Wanderers

With the worst win percentage of any previous Chelsea manager during the Roman Abramovich era, you could argue Andre Villas-Boas is living on borrowed time at Stamford Bridge. Victory over relegation favourites Bolton in the Premier League would buy him a little more though, but is the writing may already be on the wall following a retched week in the cups in which they were held by Championship side Birmingham in the FA Cup, shortly before succumbing in Naples to Napoli, losing 3-1 in the opening leg of their last-16 Champions League tie with the Italians.

Villas-Boas’ decision to omit several of his more experienced players caused a stir before and especially after Tuesday’s game in Naples, with Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard among those left out of the Chelsea XI amid reports of dressing room bust-ups between the manager and some of the senior players at the club. So it will be intriguing to see who the Portuguese tactician includes in his team-sheet for Saturday’s must-win clash at home to Bolton, whom the Blues have an imperious record against – they’ve won each of the previous seven league meetings, including a 5-1 romp at The Reebok earlier in the season in which the aforementioned Lampard netted a hat-trick.

An extremely tall order for Bolton then, going by not only their dismal record in this fixture but also their league form in general. The Trotters reside in 19TH, just a point off safety, after going their previous three league games without a win. However, a routine 2-0 win at Millwall in the fifth round of the FA Cup last weekend will have lifted spirits somewhat, but this is a team which has suffered some heavy defeats on the road against the big sides this season: Arsenal (3-0), Liverpool (3-1), Man Utd (3-0) and Tottenham (3-0).

As is seemingly the norm these days whenever Chelsea play, there could be goals here – especially considering who their opponents are, which is a Bolton side with the second leakiest rearguard in the Premier League. The Blues, meanwhile, will be without both Jose Bosingwa and centre-half stalwart John Terry, this in a defence which has been breached in each of its last five matches including last week’s home FA Cup tie with Birmingham. Ladbrokes go evens on both teams finding the net – a steal, in my opinion!

Form: Chelsea (5TH) WDDDL; Bolton (19TH) LWDLL

Key Stat: Chelsea are bidding to win their eighth straight Premier League fixture versus Bolton, whom they thrashed 5-1 at The Reebok back in October.

Match Odds: Chelsea 2/7; Draw 9/2; Bolton 10/1 (Bet365)

Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score @ evens (Ladbrokes)

Newcastle United V Wolverhampton Wanderers

While there is an undeniable gulf between these two sides, with one vying for Champions League football and the other fighting tooth and nail at the bottom, Newcastle and Wolves have more in common than you might think. No it isn’t that they’re both without a manager – Wolves, however, are after Mick McCarthy was given his marching orders earlier in the month – it is that they were both on the wrong end of 5-1 drubbings last time out, with Newcastle battered at Tottenham and Wolves thrashed at home by West Brom.

With a passionate Toon army behind them, and with a manager whom the players have the utmost respect for, you would have to fancy Newcastle bouncing back from their White Hart Lane horror show. And that’s before taking into account their respective placings in the league table. Whereas Alan Pardew’s Magpies are flying high in 6TH, a point off the Champions League places, Wolves are languishing down in 18TH, two points off the foot of the table, and have won just one of their previous eleven away from home in the league.

It’s incredible just how many names have been linked with the current managerial vacancy at Molineux. One of the first things any new appointment has to address is this porous defence of theirs defence; it’s now 22 Premier League matches without a clean sheet for Wanderers, who have shipped twelve in their last four league games alone. The omens do not suggest they’ll fare much better at St James Park either, where they were thumped 4-1 last season.

You won’t be getting rich any time soon with the odds available on the home side, so it could pay to back one of their Senegalese strike duo landing the first blow. Demba Ba (7/2 FGS with Boylesports) has been a handful all season for opposing defences and is the division’s second leading goalscorer with 16, but Papiss Cisse has already shown glimpses of the quality which made him a scoring machine over in Germany and could well steal the limelight from his compatriot.

Form: Newcastle (6TH) WLWWL; Wolves (18TH) DLLWL

Key Stat: Wolves have won only one of their previous 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6); Newcastle have won their last three at home.

Match Odds: Newcastle 8/13; Draw 3/1; Wolves 19/4 (BetVictor)

Recommended Bet: Papiss Cisse First Goalscorer @ 19/4 (BetVictor)

Queens Park Rangers V Fulham

Fulham ran riot when these two West London foes locked horns for the very first time in the Premier League at Craven Cottage last October, running out emphatic 6-0 winners to record what was at the time their first league victory of the season at the seventh attempt. Speaking of seven, that is exact number of goals the Cottagers have plundered on their travels. Something tells me Martin Jol’s men may not hit QPR for sixth this time, especially being the top-flight’s poorest travellers and all.

No team has scored fewer goals (7 from 12 games) or registered fewer points (8 from a possible 36; W1 D5 L6) away from home than Fulham, who are notorious for being darn-right awful on the road. Fortunately for them, QPR have been just as dismal at home. Just three teams have accrued less points on their own patch than Rangers (10 from a possible 36; W2 D4 L6), who have won one – a 3-1 success against rock-bottom Wigan – and lost three of their last four at Loftus Road, where they were beaten 2-1 by Wolves in their last home game.

All the makings of a cagey affair then, with few very goals, although, I am sure something similar was muttered pre-game before their clash at Craven Cottage in October. It should say everything you need to know that even bookmakers are none the wiser as to who will triumph in this contest: QPR, who have won only one of their six matches under Mark Hughes, are 17/10 to record a win on their own patch against a homesick Fulham side who are 7/4 and won’t actually have to do very much in the way of travelling. No doubt the draw at 23/10 will prove a popular punt.

Form: QPR (16TH) LWDLL; Fulham (12TH) LWDLW

Key Stat: Contested their first ever Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage in October, which Fulham emphatically won 6-0.

Match Odds: QPR 17/10; Draw 23/10; Fulham 7/4 (BetVictor)

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 23/10 (BetVictor)

West Bromwich Albion V Sunderland

It hasn’t felt this good to be a Sunderland fan for a long, long time. Much of that is down to the manager, Martin O’Neill, who since taking charge back in December has guided the club into the top half of the Premier League, not to mention the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It would be a shame for their bubble to burst at The Hawthorns then, especially with the Tyne-Wear derby looming large, but in a problematic fixture, that is very much a possibility.

When the teams met at the Stadium of Light in their first encounter of the season, Sunderland needed to claw back a two-goal deficit in order to scrape a 2-2 draw. Then there was last season’s corresponding league meeting at The Hawthorns, a game which produced the solitary goal – Peter Odemwingie with West Brom’s winner. So this fixture has hardly been a bed of roses for the Black Cats in recent times, although times have changed a lot since either of those contests.

While Sunderland have had their fair share of struggles versus West Brom, it would take a very brave punter to oppose them this weekend. They’ve taken 22 of a possible 33 points since Martin O’Neill took charge, winning six of their previous nine in the league – which, of course, does not include their impressive 2-0 victory at home to Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.

As for the Baggies, Roy Hodgson’s side have won only two of their last eight Premier League fixtures and have the worst home record in the division, with just eight points registered from a possible 36 – they’ve not won at The Hawthorns for six games. However, being absent from last week’s FA Cup action should mean they have a slight advantage in the conditioning stakes, while they should still be buoyed by their 5-1 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux in their very last league game.

Form: West Brom (14TH) LWDLW; Sunderland (9TH) LWWWL

Key Stat: Sunderland have accrued as many points (18) in their last eight league matches as Manchester City and Manchester United.

Match Odds: West Brom 7/5; Draw 23/10; Sunderland 2/1 (StanJames)

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 23/10 (StanJames)

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