Sunderland vs West Brom betting preview

Both Sunderland and West Brom enter this game after morale boosting victories last weekend. West Brom welcomed European champions Chelsea to the Hawthorns last week and took all three points to remain in a Champions League spot. On the other hand Sunderland gained their second victory of the season winning three one at Fulham. Check out the free bets available for this match.

With only one victory at home West Brom could be seen as favourites. However both teams are full of confidence following victories and the Baggies have only picked up one win away from home. Talismanic striker Steven Fletcher has picked up six goals in all competitions this season if Sunderland are to take all three points, Fletcher will be involved. The flair of Stephane Sessegnon and Adam Johnson, combined with James McClean is a talented force however the Black Cats have yet to get it going.

The likes of O’Shea in defence could leave Sunderland vulnerable to the pace of Odemwingie and Shane Long however it will be interesting to see whether Steve Clarke can get West Brom rolling away from home.

Steve Clarke has worked wonders. Following on from Di Matteo and Hodgson, Clarke has transformed the Baggies and at home they are a different class. Losing narrowly to Man City would have been hard to take however victory last weekend to Chelsea was a statement in itself. West Brom has three fantastic strikers to play. Peter Odemwingie has four goals however after last Saturday; Shane Long has received praise to match his six goals this season. Young Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, has also done well. He has three goals to his name and can offer more of a physical presence compared to the other two.

Although having the second best home record in the league West Brom have struggled away, picking up five of their twenty three points. It is tough to see where this game could go as Sunderland have struggled home and away all season. Either side has the power to score goals but it will be whether whose defence can stand the strongest.

Sunderland vs West Brom betting tips

2-2 Draw, 14/1 at BetFred

Steven Fletcher first goal scorer, 9/2 at William Hill

Shane Long to score first or last, 9/2 at Bet 365

Written by Kelvin Morgan

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