Following last Saturday’s capitulation at White Hart Lane, Sunderland find themselves in deep trouble and priced at 1/4 (Paddy Power) to be relegated this season. They face another tough assignment against Bournemouth today, a side to whom they lost 2-0 in September after conceding both goals inside the first nine minutes.

Bet365’s 12/5 for it to finish even has been well supported, although the Cherries’ good recent good form, coupled with Sunderland’s inconsistent performances ensures the visitors kick off as Ladbrokes’ 7/5 favourites. The Black Cats are Betfred’s 9/4 underdogs.

As it was in September, the opening strike could prove conclusive: Coral consider Sunderland a 5/4 shot to score it, with Jermain Defoe 5/1 at Stan James to net the opener. Elsewhere, Paddy Power chalk an attractive 7/2 against it arriving inside the first ten minutes.

Punters who suspect that Sunderland can maintain a single goal advantage consider Skybet’s 10/3 for them to enjoy a one-goal margin of victory worthy of further consideration.

BetVictor’s 13/5 for Sunderland to lead at half-time and Stan James’s 13/2 for the home side to win following an inconclusive opening period have both attracted steady business.

Following last Saturday’s uplifting victory over West Ham, Newcastle will be mindful of the need to maintain their momentum at Watford. The Magpies open as Skybet’s 3/1 underdogs after winning just two away league matches.

Watford won 2-1 when the pair met in September and recorded their only win in their last half dozen outings when beating Newcastle in the FA Cup recently; nevertheless, while the Hornets start as Betfred’s even money favourites to win, the draw, rated a 13/5 shot by William Hill, is worth considering.

Given Newcastle’s precarious predicament, it promises to be tight and backers who agree may fancy the 11/10 chalked by Stan James about the opening half ending as a draw – bet365 post 2/1 against the first 45 minutes finishing goalless.

Those who suspect that such an outcome could establish a second half trend can get 10/1 (BetVictor.com) against it ending 0-0 at full time, while Winner.com offer a generous 5/1 against both halves concluding on level terms. Optimists who foresee an away win may prefer Ladbrokes’ 7/1 for United to secure three points following a drawn opening half.

Three of the last seven contests between Boro and Nottingham Forest ended all-square; three others were decided by a single goal, and backers expecting the home side to romp to victory at the Riverside may wish to note this statistic before placing their bets.

Granted, Boro are justifiable 4/7 favourites (Winner.com) to register another victory, but Forest, who have scored fewer away goals than any side in the top half of the division, will be no pushovers. Those who concur can get 12/5 (Stan James) against Boro enjoying a one-goal margin of victory, while the 15/2 offered by bet365 against a 2-1 home win has proved understandably popular.

Hartlepool and Cambridge drew 0-0 when they met in September and though they’re yet to draw an away fixture, Pools would take a point today. BetVictor.com price the stalemate at 13/5, while the chances of it finishing goalless again is rated a 9/1 shot by William Hill. A 1-1 draw is offered at 6/1 by Ladbrokes.

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