Sunderland v West Brom betting: Wearsiders look to kick-start campaign

Steven Fletcher was back on the goal-scoring trail last weekend.

Jaymes Monte previews the first of the weekend's Premier League games as Sunderland host in-form West Brom...

West Brom could, at least temporarily, move up into third place in the Premier League table with all three points at the Stadium of Light this weekend. A remarkable start to the campaign has only got better in recent weeks with a first away win at Wigan followed by victory over the European Champions at The Hawthorns.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have disappointed so far this campaign. Last Sunday's win at Fulham was only their second triumph of the season, while goals have been particularly hard to come by at the Stadium of Light this term. The Black Cats will be hoping that the slightly fortuitous nature of the win at Craven Cottage can be the catalyst to their campaign.

Team News
Craig Gardner returns from suspension for Sunderland and will be hoping to slot into a midfield role having deputised for Phil Bardsley at right back for the most part of this season. Wes Brown remains sidelined with a knee injury and James McFadden is doubtful with a hamstring problem.

Boaz Myhill will continue between the sticks for The Baggies as Ben Foster continues to nurse a groin problem. Youssouf Mulumbu is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, but Gareth McAuley is available.

Match Odds - Sunderland 2.588/5 v West Brom 3.02/1; The Draw 3.45n/a
Looking at the betting for this game purely from a statistical point of view makes for confusing reading.

Sunderland have won only one of their last eight Premier League home games and The Baggies have won four and lost none of the last five meetings between the clubs. Yet it is the Wearsiders that are made clear favourites in the betting.

Martin O'Neill's side will, however, be buoyed by that unexpected and slightly fortunate win against Fulham. Brede Hangeland's sending off in the first half of that game was, for my money, a touch harsh. But it is often that slice of luck that a team in the doldrums, like Sunderland were/are, need in order to move on.

This should be a more confident and threatening Sunderland side than the above statistics suggest, and I can see the home team getting a result. But at the odds it's a market that I would advise steering clear of.

Over/Under 2.5 goals
It's been a common and popular Opta statistic in recent weeks, but one that continues to rear its head. Despite three goals last weekend Sunderland have still had fewer shots on target (21) than any side in Europe's top five leagues this season.

The Black Cats have only scored five goals in their last eight Premier League home games and 30% of their league goals this season came in a 20 minute spell at Craven Cottage last Sunday.

The Baggies don't bring a great deal to the table here either, having only scored five goals in their five games away from The Hawthorns this season.

At odds of 1.8810/11 Under 2.5 goals looks to be too big and worth a punt.

First Goal Odds
Despite the Unders selection looking solid as a standalone bet, it may pay to either start with the Overs and look to switch In-Play, or wait until after the opening gambit before placing your bet.

Our Opta stats inform us that there have been four goals scored inside the opening 10 minutes of the last three Premier League games between Sunderland and West Brom. It is 5.24/1 that we see an early goal (0-10 minutes) this Saturday lunchtime.

First Goalscorer/To Score
And who should we be backing to get that goal? Of course, for the home team there is only one man. Steven Fletcher has scored six of Sunderland's nine league goals this season, and his case to net this weekend is strengthened by a record of three goals in two Premier League games against The Baggies. The Scotsman is 6.05/1 to open the scoring and 2.68/5 to score anytime.

For the visitors Peter Odemwingie is the man whom the stats point to. He has four goals in as many Premier League games against Sunderland and is an 8.07/1 chance to open the scoring and 2.77/4 to score anytime.

Recommended Bets:
Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8810/11
Back Steven Fletcher to score @ 2.68/5