Previews

Wolves head north to Wearside

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 27/09/2009
Football betting

Sunderland face newly-promoted Wolves at the Stadium of Light with another three points on their agenda.

Steve Bruce's men sit in eighth place on nine points from their six games, with newly-promoted Wolves going along nicely in 12th, just two points behind.

With Darren Bent rested for Sunderland's 2-0 victory against Birmingham City in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, he is likely to return to the first team to partner Kenwyne Jones in attack for the online betting favourites.

Can Sunderland pick up another three points on Sunday? - Latest Football Betting

Kieran Richardson, Lorik Cana and Steed Malbranque will also offer flair in the final third and goalscoring opportunities will be created from these for the front two which could prove to be a stiff test for the visitors.

Jordan Henderson pleased the paying public with a goal and a impressive all-round display in midweek, while Fraizer Campbell scored the second - his first since joining from Manchester United - and he will be knocking on Bruce's door once more.

Goalkeeper Marton Fulop and Lee Cattermole (both ankle) are struggling to be fit for the hosts ahead of the weekend clash.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will be keen for his men to continue their promising start to the campaign.

With new signing Kevin Doyle getting his first goal for the Molineux club in their 2-1 win against Fulham last weekend, he will be looking to continue his goal scoring ways in the north east.

Central defensive pairing Christophe Berra and Michael Mancienne will need to be on form to thwart the Black Cats' attacking threat.

McCarthy has injury concerns ahead of him with Andrew Surman (knee), Richard Stearman (ankle), Jody Craddock (hamstring), Stephen Ward (knee), Kevin Foley (knee) and Chris Iwelumo (foot) all missing in a lengthy absentee list.

The two teams last met in the league during the 2006/07 season when they were both in the Championship.

Former Sunderland boss Roy Keane went head-to-head with his former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy following their much-publicised spat during the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw after Wolves' Jemal Johnson had opened the scoring. The Black Cats scraped a point with Stephen Elliott firing home an equaliser.

In the return clash, Sunderland claimed all three points with a 2-1 success at Stadium of Light. Daryl Murphy opened the scoring early in the first half before Ross Wallace doubled his side's advantage.

A quick response from Andy Keogh wasn't enough for Wolves and at the end of that season, Sunderland returned to the Premier League as they finished the season as champions.

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