Sunderland make the difficult trip to Stoke this weekend, a game from which they really need to take home the jackpot.
After drawing against Arsenal to move out of the relegation zone, a win against a team that have conceded four goals in each of their last three games would ensure they remain 17th – regardless of Newcastle’s result against Crystal Palace and Norwich’s score at Arsenal.
Things look good for the Black Cats. Stoke’s defence is suffering an injury crisis, with Mark Hughes having to put up with a makeshift back four that is still carrying knocks. Former Sunderland loanee – and ex-Newcastle player – Shay Given is in a race against time to be fit, after he was subbed off at half-time last weekend with a groin injury.
The Black Cats won the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light earlier this season, rounding out 2-0 winners after Stoke’s captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off for two bookable offences.
A great draw against Arsenal needs to be followed up with the three points. We predict the team that will start against the Potters.
