The Proverbial 6-pointer. The battle of the strugglers. Cats Vs Tigers. Whatever you end up calling it, the importance of this match is paramount for both the teams involved. After a brilliant win over Southampton last game week, Hull City will be visiting Sunderland this weekend who have finally picked up their first win of the season against Bournemouth last week after a horrible start to their Premier League campaign. Moyes’ men have hit rock-bottom and the only way they can move is up. Meanwhile, Hull City, despite starting on an unexpectedly positive note have faltered badly in the last few weeks although their 6-match losing streak came to an end after an unexpected win against Southampton.
TEAM NEWS
SUNDERLAND
Victor Anichebe has been declared fit to play despite suffering from a cracked rib in the win against Bournemouth. Beast of a guy, Anichebe lad. Steven Pienaar serves a ban and Lee Cattermole is out for four months after surgery, while the game comes too soon for Jan Kirchhoff and Jack Rodwell.
HULL CITY
Hull will be without injured strikers Will Keane, Abel Hernandez and the suspended Adama Diomande for the trip to the Stadium of Light and the injuries don’t seem to ease for Mike Phelan who has to rummage amongst the archives to come up with a striking solution for a striker.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
SUNDERLAND (4-3-2-1)
Pickford; Jones, Djilobodji, Kone, Van Aanholt; McNair, Larsson, N’dong; Watmore, Anichebe, Defoe
HULL CITY (3-4-3)
Marshall; Maguire, Davies, Dawson; Elmohamady, Livermore, Mason, Clucas; Snodgrass, Mbokani, Henriksen
KEY MEN
SUNDERLAND
JERMAIN DEFOE
The prolific striker has once again carried the hopes of the entire Sunderland squad and without his goals, the scenario statistically would have been even worse and shameful for the top-flight team. Defoe will once again be the main man for them and he will be leading the goal charge and Moyes will hope his experience and composure in front of goal leads to Sunderland opening the scoring and taking control of the must-win match.
HULL CITY
ROBERT SNODGRASS
Snodgrass has expected been the standout player in the Hull team but, to be honest more is expected of him. He is still their highest scorer and by the looks of it will end the season with this distinction. The unfortunate injury to all the 3 strikers in the squad increases the responsibility and expectations on him. His set-piece delivery and long range prowess will be key for them.
BETTING ODDS
SUNDERLAND- 23/20
DRAW- 12/5
HULL CITY- 14/5
