Guardian angels smiling on the Black Cats
Having looked condemned to relegation earlier in the season, there’s a new sparkle about Sunderland under the Gus Poyet regime and the evens about Newcastle looks too short – particularly as the Toon will be without Yohan Cabaye (sold) and Loic Remy who is suspended after being sent off against Norwich.
The Black Cats have lost just one of their last eight league matches (W3, D4), and are unbeaten in their last five away from home (W2, D3).
And it was in this fixture last season that gave Paolo Di Canio a remarkable 3-1 win over their arch rivals in what was only his second game in charge.
A win for the Wearsiders would give Sunderland three successive league wins against Newcastle – a feat they last achieved on 22 December 1923.
HEAD TO HEAD
(Last 10 only)
Oct 2013 Premier Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
Apr 2013 Premier Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland
Oct 2012 Premier Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
Mar 2012 Premier Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland
Aug 2011 Premier Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle
Jan 2011 Premier Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
Oct 2010 Premier Newcastle 5-1 Sunderland
Feb 2009 Premier Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland
Oct 2008 Premier Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle
Apr 2008 Premier Newcastle 2-0 Sunderland
Sunderland’s win here in April helped them avoid the drop last season but they are of course very much in the mire at the moment.
However, a win at lunchtime would quite incredibly lift them from 17th to 12th – positively mid-divison territory !!
Newcastle themselves were going great guns earlier in the season but they’ll remain eighth – even with a win and they seem to be losing some momentum. The Magpies have failed to score in four of their last five league games.
The guardian angels prefer the red and white attire at the moment and the 100/30 looks a big tempter with Star Sports.
RECOMMENDED BET (1-10 points)
6 points SUNDERLAND at around 100/30 with Star Sports