Sunderland will hope to get back to winning ways as they welcome a Watford outfit to the Stadium Of Light. Sunderland have struggled big time this season and while they did pick up two wins a couple of weeks back, they seem to have reverted to their losing form and have lost two in a row. But a match against Watford presents a realistic opportunity for the Black Cats to notch a win before they face Manchester United next. Moyes has been hampered by injuries and suspension to key players along with an inexplicable loss of form of multiple players at the same time.
Watford lost 2-0 to City and are currently in the 11th place. They have been impressive this season and will see this as an opportunity to get back in the Top 10. They have lost 3 matches in their last 4 and will be hopeful of a win against Sunderland. Both the teams will see this as an opportunity to collect invaluable points and we might see an end to end game.
TRIVIA
Sunderland have only failed to score in three of their previous 36 league meetings with Watford, but one of these came at the Stadium of Light last season (0-1).
Watford have lost four of their five league trips to the Stadium of Light (W1 D0 L4).
Jermain Defoe has scored against 35 different teams in the Premier League but is yet to score against Watford in the competition (three apps, no goals).
Watford mustered 33 shots over their two Premier League meetings with Sunderland last season, more than they did against any other side.
David Moyes has won his last five Premier League home meetings against Italian managers – winning three vs Roberto Mancini, one vs Carlo Ancelotti and another vs Claudio Ranieri.
Sunderland are the only side yet to score a goal from outside the box in the Premier League this season.
The Black Cats have conceded a league-high 10 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season.
SUNDERLAND
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland will assess Victor Anichebe, Javier Manquillo and Steven Pienaar, who were all ruled out of Wednesday’s defeat against Chelsea.
Defender Billy Jones is also an injury doubt, having been substituted against the Blues.
PREDICTED LINE-UP (3-4-3)
Pickford; Djilobodji, O’Shea, Koné; van Aanholt, Kirchhoff, Denayer, Jones; Borini, Januzaj, Defoe
WATFORD
TEAM NEWS
Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra is ruled out because of a knee injury sustained against Manchester City.
Craig Cathcart is also absent with a groin injury but Valon Behrami and Younes Kaboul return.
PREDICTED LINE-UP (4-4-2)
Gomes; Holebas, Britos, Janmaat, Prödl; Pereyra, Guedioura, Amrabat, Capoue; Ighalo, Sinclair
BETTING ODDS
SUNDERLAND- 13/8
DRAW- 23/10
WATFORD- 19/10
TRIVIA COURTESY- OPTA
