Bottom club Sunderland start a Premier League match as favourites for the first time this season when they host West Brom, Betway pricing them at 8/5, with Albion 2/1 with Betfred.

Yet note should be taken of research completed by the match stats team at bettingexpert.com which shows that following a run of 13 consecutive league duels involving the pair between 2006-14, only one of which ended as a draw, three of their last four meetings have finished with honours even. This also promises to be close contest, a conclusion which enhances the appeal of 888sport’s 12/5 posted against the stalemate.

Indeed, an examination of the correct score market shows the most well-backed outcome is a 1-1 draw, 11/2 by bet365.

Bookies deem the man most likely to send them on their way to a first win is Jermain Defoe, quoted at 9/5 (Unibet) to score at any time. The Black Cats are 3/1 (Ladbrokes) to win without conceding and 7/1 with 888sport to secure a 1-0 victory.

Rotherham’s recent performances have left them scrambling around the Championship’s nether regions.

According to bettingexpert.com , after nine league matches last season, the Millers had eight points; prior to Tuesday’s duel at Huddersfield (Rotherham’s tenth game of the season), their tally totalled six. Despite home advantage, Rotherham’s poor home displays account for their status as 21/5 underdogs (Betway) to overhaul Newcastle (7/10, Betfred) at the New York Stadium.

Newcastle last lost a league match to their opponents in April 1963 and, amongst bookies, there’s little sense that Rotherham can improve that record. Cautious punters might be inclined to take Unibet’s 29/10 odds against the stalemate as insurance, despite the widespread support for a Newcastle victory across a variety of markets.

Newcastle should win with plenty to spare and if they can get their noses in front (4/9 at 188bet to open the scoring), they should wrap it up. Rafa Benitez’s men are 8/5 to win when kicking off with a one-goal deficit and 11/1 (Paddy Power) to register an emphatic 3-0 victory.

Despite being Paddy Power’s 13/5 underdogs, Middlesbrough will be confident of overhauling West Ham. The Hammers were dire against Southampton last weekend and their 6/5 price (bet365) has proved a difficult sell for bookmakers. Boro are 10/1 (888sport) to win 1-0 and 5/1 with Betfred to lead at the end of both halves.

Hartlepool have not lost a league match to Grimsby since 1989, yet they kick off priced at 16/5 (Marathonbet) to win at Blundell Park. Given Pools’ inconsistency, taking the 12/5 at Coral for a draw looks likely to yield dividends.

Odds supplied by www.smartbets.com, the customisable odds comparison site.

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