Prediction: Sunderland vs West Ham

4th December 2010

Sunderland ended the good run of results with the unlucky defeat to Wolves and the Black Cats now hope to return to winning ways when they host revived West Ham. The Hammers not only boosted their survival hopes with three points against Wigan, but they also hammered Manchester United’s second string side in the Carling Cup, meaning the visitors enter this match on a high.

Despite the fact that only six teams won less Premiership games this season than Sunderland, the Black Cats now sit in 7th place, mostly thanks to incredible 8 draws in 15 games. This odd record shows Steve Bruce’s side usually play tight games and that they are very difficult to beat, but also that they lack some cutting edge to turn some of those draws into victories. Sunderland proved their credentials by picking up 6 points from 4 games against the Big 4 of English football, with the 3:0 victory at Stamford Bridge the highlight of their campaign. Taking all that into account, the Black Cats are bound to start winning these smaller games as well, and once that happens they are likely to enter the Europa League race. Steve Bruce’s side were unlucky to lose at Molineux last weekend as they enter the last ten minutes with a one-goal lead but then allowed Wolves to overturn the deficit and take all three points, so this will be a great opportunity to make things right. Steve Bruce does have some injury worries since Bramble, Campbell, Turner, Kilgallon, Carson and Reid remain sidelined, but that shouldn’t be too big a problem with the boss having the courtesy of choosing from a pretty big squad.

West Ham remain at rock bottom after 15 Premiership rounds but the Hammers now have much more reason for optimism than a fortnight ago. Avram Grant’s side have finally ended their 8-match winless run in the Premier League having beaten fellow strugglers Wigan last weekend, but even more impressive was their 4:0 victory over second string Manchester United side in midweek that saw the Hammers qualify for the Carling Cup semis. The two excellent results will do wonders for the players’ confidence before the clash with Sunderland, however, they’ll need much more than just good spirit in order to get something from the Stadium of Light. To add insult to injury, West Ham remain one of the worst travelers in the league, having picked up just 3 points from 7 away games this season, and that can be pretty discouraging before the trip up north. Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole should keep their places in the side following the good showing against United, while Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker remain doubtful. Collison, Hitzlsperger, Noble, Edgar, Da Costa and Kurutz remain sidelined.

Conclusion

Sunderland are still unbeaten at home this season and given the way the Black cats are playing at the moment, they’ve got to be considered favourites in this clash. The Hammers are pretty awful away from home, and I don’t see how their leaky defence is going to stop players like Bent, Welbeck and Gyan. Clear home win for me.

Verdict: Home win Sunderland (1)

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: William Hill