The Black Cats may be firm favourites (6/5 Stan James) to win this match, but they’ve not been having much joy at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have managed just two league wins out a possible six, while they have twice failed to win Carling Cup matches in normal time (against Northampton and Blackburn respectively).
Indeed, the two opponents against whom they’ve managed maximum points have been Middlesbrough and Newcastle, their north-east rivals. However, some would argue that it still requires a leap of faith to back West Ham at 5/2 (Ladbrokes), especially with a winless run stretching back seven matches. It’s clear that Gianfranco Zola’s men are struggling to find the back of the net, managing just two goals in their last six matches.
Does this point to a low-scoring game on Wearside this Sunday (Under 2.5 Goals is 4/5 with bet365)? Perhaps, although the visitors might benefit from Craig Bellamy returning to form, bagging the only goal of the game for Wales in Denmark during the week. The striker is an eye-catching 8/1 (Coral) to open the scoring in this televised clash, with Jack Collison a value alternative at 28/1 (Blue Square). The young midfielder was the first name on the scoresheet against Everton a fortnight ago.
Sunderland fans will be delighted that Kenwyne Jones has returned from injury, with the striker scoring in his past two matches. He’s 11/2 (Victor Chandler) to put the home side on their way in this match and 2/1 (William Hill) to score for the third game running. It’s possible that the ex-Saints forward will strike up a lethal partnership with Djibril Cisse, who struck the winner at Blackburn last week and is 7/4 (William Hill) to be on target once again.