English Premier
2009-09-12 - Sunderland vs Hull City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: England, Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 12th September 2009 - Kickoff 15:00
Sunderland
Sunderland have made some key signings since the arrival of Steve Bruce at the club and they will look to push on this season and get a possible top-half finish rather than flirting with relegation as they did last season.
They have a 2-0-2 start to the season with 4 goals scored and 5 conceded. At the Stadium of Light they are 1-0-1 with 3 goals scored and 4 conceded. The defeat came at the hands of Chelsea but they did manage a win over Blackburn here last time out. Sunderland currently sit in 9th position in the Premier League standings.
Martin Fulop is ruled out and Craig Gordon is a doubt meaning that a debut may be handed out to Trevor Carson in goal. Lee Cattermole is a doubt for this game.
Hull City
Hull City were everyone's favourite tip to get relegated this season and they started off living up to those expectations. However, their last 2 performances have given them reason for optimism that they can survive once again.
The Tigers have a 1-1-2 record this season, scoring 4 goals and conceding 8 which leaves them in 14th position in the table. Hull City are 0-1-1 away from home where they have scored 2 goals and conceded 3. They managed to secure a 1-1 draw at Wolves in their last away game, but could be considered a little fortunate to do so.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink could make his debut after securing a free transfer from Celtic. They still have a number of long term absentees like Ian Ashbee and Jimmy Bullard and will also miss Michael Turner who signed for Sunderland.
Head to Head
Sunderland and Hull have met 4 times in League matches over the last 3 seasons covering both the Premier League and the Championship. Sunderland will be confident as they have won all 4 matches.
Sunderland have beaten Hull twice at home without conceding a goal.
The corresponding fixture ended 1-0 to Sunderland last season.
Prediction
Sunderland will look to make the Stadium of Light a fortress this season and this is one of those matches that they will expect to win. They have a dangerous combination up front in Kenwyn Jones and Darren Bent and have also strengthened at the back with the signing of Turner.
Hull have had a couple of positive results in their last 2 matches but this is going to be a tough match for them. They seem to have lost a bit of edge from last season and have struggled against Sunderland.
I think the price for Sunderland is too good here. It is a concern that they may need to start a rookie in goal, but I think they are looking better defensively and have more of a threat going forward and I see them winning this game.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Sunderland 2-1 Hull City
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Sunderland to WIN
