Sunderland vs Tottenham 2014 EPL Round 4 preview, tips and teams

With Tottenham taking a hammering at White Hart Lane against a rampant Liverpool, confidence in the Black Cats camp is likely to be understandably high. At least higher than when they were beaten by Queens Park Rangers or when they drew against West Brom and Manchester United.

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Sunderland however are nothing if they aren’t adaptable and early signs are good with new signings settling in quite well including Patrick van Aanholt at left back, while Ricky Alvarez on loan from Inter Milan is proving to be quite the playmaker, adding imagination and flair to Sunderland’s midfield.

Spurs have form against the Black Cats however, after inflicting defeat upon Sunderland twice during last year’s campaign. Eric Dier was withdrawn last week from the England under 21’s squad after picking up a knock. The right back should be ready for the match this Saturday however, after quickly making a name for himself being the first defender ever score in his first two matches in the Premier league. Danny Rose was withdrawn against Liverpool FC but this was more of a precaution and has since seen out a trip away with England and is now fully fit and ready to return to action.

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to start Federico Fazio, with Christian Eriksen and Eric Lamela also grabbing his attention with promising starts to their seasons respectively. Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to be a lone striker ahead of Chadli and co.
Sunderland do have strong Premier league experience in their squad in the form of Steven Fletcher, Larsson, Rodwell and O’ Shea, however John O’Shea is likely to have his hands full against the heavily experienced Adebayor of ex-Arsenal fame.

The Stadium of Light is proving to be a bit of a happy hunting ground for Spurs who have three of their last four games by 2 goals to 1. Sunderland, with their team only just beginning to show signs of cohesion, have managed only three wins in their last 14 games at home. Liverpool FC’s win over Spurs ensured Pochettino’s team were denied their ninth straight win on all competitive fronts.
Poyet has it all to do against Tottenham who aren’t likely to let their heads drop after suffering one defeat in nine. The Black Cats are likely to play it defensively while trying to frustrate Tottenham’s forwards and prevent them from playing a passing game or from falling into their familiar rhythm.

Contrarily, Tottenham Hotspur are likely to go for the jugular early on as they seek to return to winning ways as quickly as possible, with an early goal likely to be at the top of the agenda. Sunderland goalkeeper Mannone is likely to be called into action quite early.
Should Tottenham managed to grab an early goal, it will be all hands on deck for the Black Cats. However should Sunderland managed to frustrate Tottenham and even nick a goal, Tottenham may well implode as they are prone to do. However given their recent run of results, this is unlikely.

TIP: Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Teams:

Sunderland (Possible, 4-1-4-1): Mannone; Vergini, O’Shea, Brown, Van Aanholt; Cattermole; Johnson, Rodwell, Larsson, Álvarez; Fletcher.
Out: None.

Tottenham (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Lloris; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Capoue, Stambouli; Lamela, Chadli, Eriksen; Adebayor.
Out: Soldado (neck), Walker (hip).

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