English Premier
2013-04-14 - Newcastle United vs Sunderland
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 14 April 2013 - Kick Off 12pm
This game is live on TV
Newcastle United
I do wonder if Alan Pardew has some regrets with the way he set up his Newcastle United side in the second leg of their Europa League Quarter Final tie against Benfica on Thursday night. It was surprisingly a pretty defensive minded team that begun the game and it allowed the away side to dominate for much of the game until the substitutions came Newcastle some impetus in the second half. While the Magpies are out of that competition, the fans will be demanding a much more positive performance in this local derby.
A late goal against Fulham last weekend helped Newcastle United to the three points which has pushed them up to 13th in the Premier League table, although they are only 5 points clear of Wigan Athletic in the final relegation place. They have been unpredictable at home this season, going 9-1-6, scoring 24 goals and conceding 21 in those games.
Newcastle have only won 1 of their last 5 games in all competitions, although they have definitely picked up some form at home in recent weeks in the Premier League. The side are unbeaten in 7 games at home in all competitions, winning 5, while they have won 4 straight Premier League games at St James' Park. However, it has to be remembered that Newcastle have needed injury time goals to win 3 of those 4 games.
Steven Taylor may return to the squad for this game, but the likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Davide Santon and Cheick Tiote are all missing. Hatem Ben Arfa could start after making a real impact off the bench on Thursday night.
Sunderland
The furore surrounding the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager of Sunderland has died down somewhat over the last couple of weeks and the focus is completely on making sure they maintain their place in the Premier League. Sunderland have been slipping closer and closer to the relegation zone over the last few months, and this is definitely a huge challenge for their Italian manager in his first role in the top flight.
Di Canio will be hoping his side can put together a performance as they did in the first half at Stamford Bridge last week and use that for a full 90 minutes this week. Sunderland were winning 0-1 at Chelsea before falling to a 2-1 defeat and that leaves the Black Cats in 17th in the Premier League. The side have a 3-4-9 record away from home in the League, scoring 17 goals and conceding 28 in those games.
Sunderland have failed to win any of their last 9 Premier League games since a 2-3 win at Wigan Athletic and they have lost 6 of those games. They have particularly struggled away from home where Sunderland have lost 4 straight games in the Premier League, while they have conceded at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 away from home in all competitions.
Craig Gardner is suspended and his goal-scoring ability will be a big miss with Steven Fletcher also out for the rest of the season. Connor Wickham is doubtful, but Newcastle United fan Danny Graham and Carlos Cuellar may both pass fitness tests to take part.
Head to Head
Sunderland and Newcastle United drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.
The game here at St James' Park also ended 1-1 last season and that means Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 7 at home against Sunderland, winning 4 of those games.
Prediction
Derby games are always tough to predict as throwing the form book out of the window is the order of the day.
These two teams have played some very tight games against one another in recent seasons, but I do think Newcastle United have found a little more form in recent weeks. That could prove the difference, although I wouldn't be surprised if they conceded too as they have some defensive issues.
Sunderland are conceding too many goals at the moment, especially away from home and the loss of Craig Gardner for this game is another blow and I do think Newcastle will win. However, I'll take a couple of scores for a small interest in this one.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back a couple of correct scores:- Newcastle United Win 2-1 @ 9.50 (Bet Victor)
- Newcastle United Win 3-1 @ 18.00 (Bet Victor)
If the game finishes 2-1 or 3-1, combined odds are 6.22
