SM
Wolves vs. Forest: 20 hrs 15 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
S
Premier League
Jan 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
AV

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-1)

Preview: Sunderland vs. Aston Villa

:Headline: Preview: Sunderland vs. Aston Villa: ID:127456: from db_amp
Sports Mole previews the New Year's Day meeting between bottom-of-the-table Sunderland and out-of-form Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland could move out of the Premier League's bottom three with a win over Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light on New Year's Day.

The Black Cats go into the game in the best spell of form that they have enjoyed all season, going five games without a defeat in all competitions and coming from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against Cardiff in their last outing.

However, despite their mini-revival, Gus Poyet's side still sit bottom of the table and would need other results to go their way if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

The Black Cats have already beaten the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Southampton and Manchester City at home this season, but they are without a win in their last six meetings with Villa.

Poyet will be without Kieren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar through injury, while Wes Brown will serve the final game of his suspension. Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini, meanwhile, are doubts due to illness.

Despite sitting seven places above their opponents in the league, Villa will be wary that they are on the brink of being dragged into another relegation battle.

Just one point from the last 15 available has left them four points clear of the bottom three, a gap that could be slashed to just one if results go against them on Wednesday.

Villa have been inconsistent on their travels so far this season, winning three, drawing three and losing three of their away matches, although their last two have resulted in defeat.

Paul Lambert may be boosted by the returns of Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar, both whom face late fitness tests, but they will definitely be without Ciaran Clark through suspension and Chris Herd, Joe Bennett, Charles N'Zogbia and Jores Okore due to injury.

Recent form

Sunderland: LDWDWD
Aston Villa: WLLLLD

Possible starting lineups:

Sunderland: Mannone; Bardsley, Roberge, Diakite, Dossena; Giaccherini, Larsson, Colback, Ki, Borini; Fletcher

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Luna; Bacuna, Westwood, Delph; Albrighton, Benteke, Agbonlahor

Sports Mole says: 2-2


amp_article__127456 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2013-12-31 11:09:25:
html db last update - 2013-12-31 11:09:25 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds26158348192953
2Burnley26141023192252
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd26166436171952
4Sunderland26148439221750
5Middlesbrough26118743321141
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom26913432211140
7Blackburn RoversBlackburn2511682823539
8Bristol City2691073330337
9Watford25114103536-137
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2610793840-237
11Norwich CityNorwich269984337636
12Swansea CitySwansea2697103030034
13Millwall257992423130
14Preston North EndPreston2661282834-630
15Coventry CityCoventry2678113437-329
16Queens Park RangersQPR2561182733-629
17Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2577112840-1228
18Derby CountyDerby2676133135-427
19Stoke CityStoke2669112432-827
20Luton TownLuton2574142642-1625
21Portsmouth2458113041-1123
22Hull City2658132536-1123
23Cardiff CityCardiff2558122540-1523
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2548132453-2920
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .