English Premier
2009-10-24 - Birmingham vs Sunderland
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Steve Bruce, now the manager of Sunderland, returns to St. Andrew's where he was manager of Birmingham previously to take on his former club here.
He departed the club two season ago after failing to get a new contract and it was bitter in the manner he left. Since then Bruce has had a successful season with Wigan before moving to Sunderland this season.
Birmingham enters this match having not kept a clean home sheet since August. They are however boosted by the news that defensive duo Franck Queudrue and Stuart Parnaby are available for today's clash after recovering from hamstring injuries.
Alex McLeish will also hope to have Gregory Vignal resuming training next week bu this match has come too soon for him. However, on-loan Sunderland midfielder Teemu Tainio is ineligible because of a clause in the deal which prohibits him playing against his parent club.
Keith Fahey is rated doubtful with an ankle injury as well as David Murphy with a knee injury. The likes of Giovanny Espinoza and Martin Taylor already misses out with ankle injuries.
The good news is Ecuadorian striker Christian Benitez is set to return for the home side after missing his flight for their last game, and Garry O'Connor is also available for today's clash.
As for The Black Cats, they come into this match having beaten Liverpool at the Stadium of Light due to the famous beach ball incident. Darren Bent who scored the goal tops the Premier League goal scoring table with Fernando Torres and he will be keen to increase that in this match.
The visitors will miss the services of Lee Cattermole who picked up a serious knee injury against the Reds and will be out for at least 12 weeks. Kieran Richardson will return to the side after serving his suspension after he was sent off against The Red Devils. Upfront striker Kenwyne Jones is hoping to be fit in time as he is recovering from an ankle knock. John Mensa is out with a calf injury and Bolo Zenden and Andy Reid are set to feature in this match.
George McCartney returns to the side after missing out with a chest infection which caused him to be taken out during half time against Liverpool.
Take Sunderland with Steve Bruce at the helm to get the win here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Sunderland to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Sunderland to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Sunderland on level ball.
