It’s redemption time for Sunderland. The Black Cats find themselves at the bottom of the table and have to come up with the goods now if they really want to stay in the English top tier. The fans were hoping for their revival when they thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0. But since then they have lost three back to back matches to again submerge themselves into the relegation zone.
David Moyes’ side will be eyeing nothing less than three points when they host Burnley in the next match. The Clarets’ away form has been disastrous and Sunderland will be looking to take advantage of that.
The Black Cats have faced the Clarets three times this season and on two occasions the latter claimed the victory. Sunderland lost 0-2 against Manchester City but showed what they are capable of and should come up with something similar against Burnley. They will have to make sure they score first because Sean Dyche’s side have one of the most well-organised defences in the Premier League.
After this week, there will be a two weeks break due to the international fixtures and they need to win this to give them some hope over the break. In the past Sunderland have managed to survive these kinds of situations and they have to do something special to avoid relegation this term. Jermain Defoe has scored in the last two Premier League appearances against Burnley and will play a vital role in this crunch fixture.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Sunderland
As many as seven players are currently sidelined with various injuries. Darren Gibson is carrying a knock and Moyes might opt for Jack Rodwell in the midfield. Victor Anichebe and Paddy McNair have been ruled out for the season and Moyes has a very tough task to pick his starting lineup in the upcoming fixtures.
Pickford; Oviedo, Kone, O’Shea, Jones; Rodwell, Larsson; Borini, Ndong, Januzaj; Defoe
Burnley
Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Dean Marney will miss the match.
Heaton; Ward, Mee, Keane, Lowton; Brady, Hendrick, Barton, Boyd; Gray, Barnes
Key Players
Sunderland
Jermain Defoe- Despite a dreadful season, Defoe remains the sole performer for the Black Cats. The 34-year-old has scored 14 goals for them this season and the onus of scoring goals will continue to be on him.
Adnan Januzaj– He has shown a lot of promise in recent matches and on his day can effortlessly ease past defenders.
Burnley
Robbie Brady– Robbie Brady has scored a brilliant goal from a free-kick against Chelsea and would hope to repeat this feat.
Odds
Sunderland- 2.55
Draw- 3.30
Burnley- 3.00
