Sunderland are in the bottom three having taken just one point from their opening three games and bookies believe things are unlikely to improve in the short-term, bet365 installing the Black Cats as 9/2 underdogs ahead of the visit of Arsenal.

The Gunners, boosted by the deadline day capture of Mesut Ozil, are Stan James's 8/11 jollies and it's 14/5 courtesy of BetVictor to finish all square at the Stadium of Light, where a goalless affair is 10/1 with Skybet.

Catering for supporters wary of a stalemate, bet365 price Sunderland at 11/4 in the draw no bet market and for those that just want to back their team to avoid defeat, Paulo Di Canio's men get a goal start in Paddy Power's handicaps at 6/5.

Ten of the last dozen renewals in all competitions have produced fewer than three goals so going under 2.5 in terms of the tally in this one is worth considering at 9/10 via Stan James.

With that in mind, the bold might be tempted by BetVictor's 15/1 chalked against a 1-0 Sunderland triumph, Ladbrokes price Di Canio's troops at 11/2 to nick it by a solitary goal and fit-again Steven Fletcher is 15/2 at William Hill to notch first.

Hatem Ben Arfa's late winner against Fulham eased some of the pressure on a Newcastle squad that wasn't added to on transfer deadline day.

However, they're BetVictor's 5/2 outsiders ahead of the visit to Aston Villa, who are 5/4 chances at William Hill and as a result, Skybet give the Magpies a goal start in the handicaps at odds of 4/6. Betway post 12/5 against a stalemate at Villa Park and those sensing an inconclusive affair might also fancy Winner.com's 6/1 for a 1-1 scoreline.

United are 13/8 in bet365's draw no bet market, a wager that will appeal to circumspect sections of support, although more optimistic fans might fancy a repeat of the Magpies' 2-1 win from last season's corresponding fixture at 11/1 (Stan James).

Another lead for Newcastle after both 45 and 90 minutes is a 5/1 shot at BetVictor and Papiss Cisse, the man that set Pardew's troops on their way in that last meeting, is 8/1 via Stan James to break the deadlock once more.

Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four but the last three finished all square and plenty of neutral punters are expected to back Tony Mowbray's men at 12/5 via bet365 to draw at Ipswich.

Ladbrokes mark 13/2 against a 1-1 scoreline, it's 4/1 at Stan James for the teams to be inseparable at the end of each half but it's actually the hosts that are William Hill's 7/5 favourites while Boro will kick off as 23/10 outsiders courtesy of BetVictor.

The same firm chalk Boro up at 5/4 in their draw no bet market and for fans who prefer to see the glass as half full, 7/2 is available with Skybet for Mowbray's side to nick it by a one-goal margin.

Paddy Power quote 9/1 for Boro to bag the only goal at Portman Road, where they're 9/2 (Stan James) to lead at the end of each half and it's 11/1 via bet365 for Albert Adomah to bag the opening goal.

In League Two, Hartlepool have a great opportunity to register their first victory as they host rock-bottom Accrington. Winner.com price Pools at 5/6 to see off Stanley and a frustrating draw is a 13/5 chance at BetVictor.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com

Offer of the week: Open an account with Skybet via betrescue and claim a £10 risk free bet + £5 free every week. See betrescue.com/freebets for details.