Premier League betting – Newcastle vs Sunderland

Newcastle vs Sunderland betting preview

Newcastle: League Position: 9th, League Form: WLLDW

After a disappointing midweek cup defeat to Arsenal, Newcastle have a great chance to bounce back in altogether different type of game. This is the kind of occasion they missed last year, the Tyne/Wear derby, as they look to establish themselves back in the big time.

Home form is Newcastle’s weakness so far this year, with only four points from a possible 15 picked up at St James’ Park. The Toon faithful will be hoping this game can ignite better performances from the players, and maybe the intensity of a derby can lift them out of their home soil slumber.

The problem for Newcastle is they seem to need to chase a game before they get going. Conceding first is an ugly habit, and they had to fight from goals down against both Wigan and West Ham to recover points. They’ve not kept a clean sheet in 6 games (league and cup), and if they don’t wise up they’ll keep being punished.

Sunderland: League Position: 7th, League Form: DDDDW

With only one league defeat this season, away at West Brom, Sunderland can be confident of their chances in this Sunday’s match. Considering their opponent’s habit of giving teams leads, it’s interesting to note only one team has conceded fewer goals than Sunderland so far this season (Surprise, surprise, it’s Chelsea).

Defensive steel gives Steve Bruce’s side every chance of snatching points on the road, the only problem being the reliance on Darren Bent to score the goals. A poacher like Bent can survive on scraps and is the type of player who can get a goal whilst playing badly. The challenge for both teams may come down to service to the England striker.

Geordie gaffer Bruce should be able to motivate his troops ahead of the battle that awaits them, but must be hoping skipper Lee Cattermole learns from his two red cards this year and stays the right side of the referee.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.3 Victor Chandler – Free £50 bet for new customers.

At this early stage in the season only a point and two places separate these fierce rivals ahead of their first derby of the campaign. Both teams are only 1 up on goal difference this term, but whereas Newcastle have scored and conceded freely (14 scored 13 conceded), Sunderland are going about things in much a different manner (8:7).

Newcastle have given teams a start this year, and will look to attack in front of their own fans. Andy Carroll looks like he prefers being on the pitch than off it at the moment, whilst Darren Bent will be preying on any scraps the home defence afford him. I think they’ll both get chances, and would fancy either to score first. Considering the Toon’s trend of giving out leads, I’d take Bent to pip Carroll to getting the opener.

Chris Hughton will be looking for some solidity this time out, whilst Bruce has seen his side stand strong against the best teams in the land so far this season. As such, I expect a low-score draw and both sets of supporters leaving satisfied.

Recommended bets for Newcastle vs Sunderland

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.91 William Hill
First Goalscorer: Andy Carroll – 7.00 Blue Sq
Correct Score: 1-1 Draw – 7.00 Sky Bet

Match Odds:-

Newcastle United – 2.25 Stan James
Draw – 3.3 Victor Chandler
Sunderland – 3.6 Bet Fred

By Chris Wilkerson

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