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Sunderland are in freefall at present without a win in nine matches in the Premiership. Stoke City are tonight’s visitors. Chris Hutcheon previews
Nevertheless, 888Sport fancy Steve Bruce’s men to bounce back as they entertain Stoke tonight; the online firm making them 23/20 favourites to see off the Potters, who are rated at 13/5 by William Hill to inflict more misery on the home side.
The Black Cats’ form means punters should tread carefully and indeed the value arguably lies with the 12/5 marked against the draw by bet365.
Betdaq’s 9/1 for it to finish goalless and the 4/1 on offer with Betfred for the sides to be level at the end of each half could prove popular but the host’ current defensive frailty suggests that this encounter will produce three or more goals (11/10, Paddy Power), despite the fact that Tony Pulis’ charges have netted just four times in ten away games.
Subsequently, a 2-2 stalemate, priced by Ladbrokes at 14/1 is worth considering and Sunderland’s lack of confidence also means that the first of any goals could be bagged by the visitors, an outcome Totesport quote at 13/8.
That opener meanwhile, is a tasty 7/1 (Stan James) to be struck by Ricardo Fuller – whose brace helped Stoke to a 3-1 triumph against Arsenal in the FA Cup last time out.
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