Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Watford

Published on: 10/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Watford

December 12, 2015 15:00pm - Stadium of Light

Premier League

Sunderland make another attempt to haul themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday when they welcome 10th-ranked Watford to the Stadium of Light in the Barclays Premier League.

Sunderland still in drop zone despite improvement

After back-to-back wins against Crystal Palace and Stoke, Sunderland dropped back to 19th place in the table following last weeks 3-1 defeat away to Arsenal. The Black Cats have improved since Sam Allardyce took over back in October but have little to show for it in terms of league position. However, there are just three points separating Big Sam`s men and Chelsea in 14th place.

At home, the Mackems have lost just one of their last four games, having won two and drawn the other. That home defeat came at the hands of Southampton.

Watford going strong in mid-table

Watfords achievements this season may have been slightly overshadowed by the incredible rise of Claudio Ranieri`s Leicester city team. However, as a newly-promoted side, the Hornets have defied all expectations by maintaining a mid-table position throughout the season.

Quique Sanchez Flores must be applauded for how successfully he has applied his methods to a hastily assembled team in a league in which he has no previous experience. His side come into the game on the back of a 2-0 home victory over fellow promoted side Norwich. Away from home, they have won three of their last five, with their only defeat coming at league leaders Leicester.

Team news

Big Sam will have to do without Lee Cattermole, Seb Larsson and Wes Brown, however, Jermain Defoe could return.

Meanwhile, the visitors should have a full strength squad to choose from.

Recent form (League)

Sunderland: LWWLL

Watford: WWLLW

Betting odds and tips

Watford are a tricky team with a good record away from home. Their only two defeats on the road have come against top-three opposition. The away win can be backed at 9/5 with Coral.

Troy Deeney has scored in the last four games in a row and can be backed at 9/4 to find the net anytime with Bet365.

Published on: 10/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (10/12/2015 15:37:55) but are subject to change.