Stoke vs. Sunderland: Premier League Betting Preview

Sunderland were hugely lacking in any creativity against Newcastle last weekend and it could be another difficult afternoon for the Black Cats on Saturday.

Martin O’Neill would have been a relived man at the end of the Tyne-Wear derby having seen his side scramble a point thanks to a late Demba Ba own goal but the Northern Irishman must have also been dismayed at his team’s efforts.

Playing against ten men for an hour as a result of Cheikh Tiote’s sending off, the hosts at the Stadium of Light hardly troubled Tim Kruhl in the Newcastle goal and the visitors were very comfortable for large periods of the contest.

Sunderland had shown signs of improvement prior to their pitiful display last time out but supplying Steven Fletcher, so impressive since his move from Wolves, with a steady supply has proved problematic.

Alarmingly, no other Black Cat has found the net in the Premier League aside the Scot, who has five goals in six matches, and they could struggle to break down a well organised Stoke outfit.

Just goal difference currently keeps Tony Pullis’s side above the Makems in thirteenth place in the Premier League but they have impressed over the last month and will fancy their chances on Saturday.

Comfortable 2-0 winners over Swansea before a well-deserved goalless draw at Anfield, Stoke were the better team at Old Trafford during the opening 45 minutes before succumbing 4-2 to Manchester United and confidence is riding high at present.

Pullis has seen his side draw with both Arsenal and Manchester City this season too, as well as go down narrowly 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, and the Welshman will be eyeing a decent haul from a very favourable upcoming run of fixtures, starting this weekend.

With just a solitary win at MK Dons away from home since February, Sunderland are hard to fancy on their travels and the 2.00 about a home win appeals.

Stoke look set to move into the top half of the table, and beyond, over the coming weeks and I am expecting them to bag the maximum haul at The Britannia Stadium.

3pts Back Stoke (vs. Sunderland) @ 2.00 (various)