Sunderland vs Tottenham Prediction: De Zerbi to turn Spurs around?

Tottenham Hotspur haven’t played a game of football in three weeks, and during that time they’ve hired former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to try and save their season. A five-year contract points to a long-term hire, but with just seven games to go, he needs points in the short-term to save Spurs from relegation.

His first test comes at the Stadium of Light, and below you can find my Sunderland vs Tottenham predictions. 

Team News

Regis Le Bris confirmed that Dan Ballard and Nilson Angulo are both on their way back from injuries, but unfortunately this game will come too soon. The rest of the group barring the long-term injuries is available, so the boss may name a similar XI to the one that beat Newcastle last time out. 

Brian Brobbey will lead the line after his dramatic late winner in the derby with Granit Xhaka set to lead the side from the heart of midfield. It will be interesting to see if Le Bris sticks with young Chris Rigg or brings Enzo Le Fee back into the side, with Chemsdine Talbi set to continue on the left wing.

We aren’t quite sure what De Zerbi has up his sleeve for his first game in charge, but we do know that Spurs are going to be without Mohammed Kudus for the remainder of the season. He needs surgery on his thigh injury, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is a major doubt after his own hernia surgery during the break.

This game may come too soon which means Antonin Kinsky could start his first game since his Atletico Madrid nightmare. Mathys Tel is back in training and could feature. 

Premier League Odds

Sunderland vs Tottenham Odds

Sunderland and Tottenham are both priced at 13/8 to win this game, showing just how close the bookies view this fixture. A draw is 5/2, over 2.5 goals is 10/11 and BTTS is 8/11, while Brobbey is the favourite to score first at 5/1.

BTTS @ 8/11

Let’s start with a sensible selection on paper. There are so many question marks as to what Spurs might look like under De Zerbi, and he has now had a couple of weeks to implement his ideas into the players. 

However, we should try and focus on what we do know. Spurs have been rubbish defensively all season, and four of their last five away games have ended with both teams on the scoresheet. Even under Igor Tudor they posed some sort of threat, and RDZ isn’t the type of manager to sit back.

Spurs may play themselves into trouble at times, and with Kinsky in goal, they may be shaky at the back. Goals at both ends feels right in what should be an entertaining encounter. 

talkSPORT Bet Builder - BTTS, Solanke goal or assist, 7+ corners and both teams 20+ booking points @ 6/1

I like the look of this Bet Builder. We’ve already covered BTTS, and Dom Solanke feels like he is going to be a key man under De Zerbi. Only three PL goals this season, but he was ruled out for a lengthy period with an ankle injury, so I think he can bag a goal contribution at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham’s games have averaged 10.16 corners this season while Sunderland have averaged 8.77 - so seven or more should be more than achievable. Then, I can see a feisty affair unfolding and both teams should pick up 20 booking points apiece in a battling match-up.

Decent price on this one. 

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