Premier League: Sunderland v Stoke match preview

A look ahead to Monday’s Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

James Harris
Friday 03 May 2013 16:02 BST
Comments
Right carry-on: The TUC do not want to be linked with Di Canio
Right carry-on: The TUC do not want to be linked with Di Canio (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Sunderland may be 15th but their safety in the top flight is far from assured. They remain five points clear of Wigan but the Latics have a game in hand. Stoke meanwhile, have made it near-impossible for themselves to drop down to the Championship.

The Black Cats are on the back of a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa on Monday. But prior to that, new manager Paulo Di Canio had breathed new life into Wearside. The Italian’s first game in charge saw two unfortunate goals go against his side at Chelsea, followed by two wins against Everton and arch rivals Newcastle, with clean sheets no less.

The home side should be confident they can walk away with the three points. The Potters have not won at the Stadium of Light for 19 years, and with an away game against Tottenham still left to play, it is important they keep that record going.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 0 Sunderland 0, Premier League, October 2012.

Stoke 0 Sunderland 1 (McClean), Premier League, February 2012.

Sunderland 4 (Bramble, Woodgate, Gardner, Larsson) Stoke 0, Premier League, September 2011.

STATS...

Stoke have not scored against Sunderland in the last three meetings.

Stoke last won at the Stadium of Light in April 1994.

Sunderland have picked up six points out of 12 since the arrival of Paulo Di Canio.

Sunderland have scored 10 goals in seven games against the Potters.

ODDS…

Sunderland to win: 2.00

Stoke to win: 4.00

Draw: 3.20

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 8pm, highlights on Sky Sports 1 at 1am, Tuesday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in