One of the Premier League’s surprise packages takes on the side at the bottom as Sunderland host Wolves at the Stadium of Light.
Match News and Current Form
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has exceeded expectations as they sit inside the top half despite losing 2-0 to Manchester United on matchday seven (W3, D2, L2). Their position is all the more impressive when considering that the Black Cats have been slow starters, scoring just once before half-time in the league this term. That hasn’t held them back on home soil, where they’re unbeaten this season in the league (W2, D1), and another win would see them pick up ten points in their first four top-flight home games of a campaign for the first time since 1968/69.
In stark contrast, Wolves sit at the bottom of the table, although drawing their last two league games offers some hope after five consecutive top-flight defeats. Unlike their hosts, while the Old Gold have started games brightly by opening the scoring in each of their last three Premier League encounters, they’ve failed to fully capitalise on each occasion (D2, L1). That will concern boss Vítor Pereira as his side head north having only scored once on the road all season in the league (D1, L2) and are winless across their last five such away games (D1, L4).
Head-to-Head History
This is the first H2H between these sides since 2018. Sunderland haven’t conceded across the last three meetings (W1, D2), and while they’ve struggled against Wolves in the Premier League (W1, D1, L4), the Black Cats have won five of the last seven meetings they hosted in any competition (D1, L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Sunderland have won exactly three corners in four of their last six league games.
Sunderland’s three Premier League home games have all stood goalless after 60 minutes this season.
The home team on the day scored exactly one first-half goal in five of Wolves’ last six Premier League fixtures.
Five of Wolves’ last six league away matches produced under 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Wilson Isidor is Sunderland’s top league scorer this term with three goals, all of them arriving at home after the 70th minute. Defender Santiago Bueno netted in Wolves’ last away game with the third of his last four club goals to open the scoring.
Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava will serve the final game of his suspension here, while Habib Diarra will also miss out. Wolves will continue to make do without Matt Doherty.
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Betting Analysis
This appears the ideal opportunity for the hosts to consolidate their top-half position at the expense of struggling Wolves, so our tip is to back Sunderland to win.
Author: John Pennington