Stoke got back to winning ways last week when beating Southampton 2-1 at home. It was their first victory in five games, dating back to the middle of March. Despite losing three of their last five games, they remain on course for a terrific season. Mark Hughes has just signed a new long-term contract at the club and it is no surprise when you consider the improvement they have made since the Welshman took over last summer. Having finished ninth last season, Stoke look to have a great chance of finishing even better this time around. With five games left, they are a point behind eighth placed Swansea whom they visit next weekend. With a gap of another nine points to Southampton – who sit above the Welsh club – anything better than eight looks beyond them but such is the prize money in the Premier League, finishing just one place higher brings with it big rewards.
It seems a long time ago since Jermain Defoe’s wonder goal secured a much needed three points in the derby against Newcastle. Since then they suffered a disastrous 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace before having a week off last weekend as Leicester continued their excellent recent run to narrow the gap between the two, piling the pressure on Dick Advocaat’s men. Having now played the same games as the Foxes, Sunderland are only one point ahead, and currently have a worse goal difference. Many thought that the win over their bitter rivals would have been a massive step to securing their safety, and whilst it may well be, the manner of their defeat the following week will have the Sunderland fans very worried.
Although Stoke have not enjoyed too many victories of late, their home form has been very consistent In 2015. In the seven games they have played at the Brittania this calendar year, they have won four and drawn one. The only two sides who have left with all three points have been Crystal Palace and Manchester City. With Tottenham and Liverpool to visit before the end of the season, Hughes will get a further two examinations of how competitive they are against the sides above them. Before that, however, they face a Sunderland side desperate for points who come into the game off the back of a two week rest.
Sunderland are looking to preserve what is currently an eight year stay in the Premier League. They survived last season thanks to a marvellous run of form at the end of the campaign which included wins away to Chelsea and Manchester United, and a draw at Manchester City. It really was a tremendous feat for Gus Poyet and his team and it’s looking likely that they will have to repeat that type of form if they are to stay in the league this time around. After this match they gave a difficult fixtures against Southampton and Everton before what will be a huge game at home to Leicester.
Often at this stage of the season, punters look to side with teams who have the most to play for as motivation is seen as a key to end of season games. Whilst there may be some logic I that, there are plenty of other considerations that simply cannot be overlooked. Sunderland will be a shorter price on Saturday because their need is deemed greater than Stoke, however, the home side are trying to catch Swansea in the battle for eighth and you struggle to find fewer more driven managers than Mark Hughes. Sunderland are in the position they’re in for a reason and despite Advocaat’s appointment they have looked very poor; Stoke can inflict more misery on the Black Cats, here.
Stoke 20/21 @ Betfred
