Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Middlesbrough

August 21 , 2016 13:30pm - Stadium of Light

Premier League

The Premier League`s current northeast representatives will face each other in the top flight for the first time in seven years on Sunday as Sunderland welcome Middlesbrough to the Stadium of Light.

Return of the Wear-Tees derby

Due to geographical distances and regional differences, the status of the game between Sunderland and Middlesbrough as a true derby match has been the subject of much debate over the years. However, with Newcastle United and Darlington currently plying their trade in the lower tiers, this would have been the first game that the majority of fans on both sides would have sought out when the fixture list was released.

This will be the first time that the sides have competed at this level in seven years - with Middlesbrough having spent that time attempting to escape from the Championship. They eventually achieved that feat under the guidance of Spanish Coach Aitor Karanka, who has been in charge since the dismissal of Tony Mowbray in November 2013.

Boro kicked off their Premier League campaign with a decent 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City. They will now test themselves on the road against a side that they could well be battling in the fight to avoid relegation this season. Of course, the coach and fans will be hoping that they can remain clear of trouble and a win on Sunday would give them a massive confidence boost.

Trying to stop them will be a Sunderland side now led by former Manchester United manager David Moyes. After battling to survival under current England boss Sam Allardyce last year, Sunderland fans will perhaps be expecting more of the same under Moyes. However, the Scottish coach will be keen to rebuild his reputation after his difficult spell at Old Trafford was followed by an unconvincing stint in charge of Real Sociedad in Spain.

The Black Cats had the toughest possible start to the season when they were pitched against Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City. However, they held their own for most of that match before falling to a late Paddy McNair own goal.

Team news

Sebastian Larsson and Lee Cattermole are both out of action for the home side.

Meanwhile, Marten De Roon, James Husband, Daniel Ayala, Grant Leadbitter and Bernardo Espinosa are all still under treatment for the visitors.

Recent form (League)

Sunderland: LDDWW

Middlesbrough: DDDWL

Betting odds and tips

This game is too close to call in the win market but there might be some value in the anytime goal scorer market. Former Manchester City and Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo is out to rekindle his career and got off to the perfect start last week scoring after just 11 minutes.

Back Nergredo to score anytime at 12/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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18/08/2016     © Frixo 2024