Tottenham vs Sunderland Prediction: Sterile territory at Tottenham

Tottenham host Sunderland (15:00, Sky Sports Football) on a bumper Sunday afternoon of Premier League football, although this fixture could be destined for the final slot on Match of the Day unless the sides rediscover their shooting boots.

Spurs have scored just twice in their last four games and failed to create any big chances against Brentford on New Year’s Day when held to a 0-0 draw. If anything, it was Spurs holding the Bees at bay for the second half and the travelling fans chanted "boring, boring Tottenham" at various times in the contest!

Sunderland, meanwhile, arrive in North London after a thrilling goalless game against Manchester City at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats had goalkeeper Robin Roefs to thank for preserving a point that extends their unbeaten run to four games, although Brian Brobbey also went close to breaking the deadlock.

Premier League odds

Draw & Under 2.5 Goals @ 3/1

Tottenham’s recent transformation from gung-go goal getters to a more measured attacking approach has not gone down well with their fanbase, and they remain in the wrong half of the table.

In their last two games against Brentford and Crystal Palace, Spurs have lacked the craft to break down stubborn defences consistently, although one goal was enough for them to win at Selhurst Park.

The issue can be traced back to the last international break, since when only Wolves and Sunderland have registered a lower expected goals tally than Tottenham.

The absence of key playmakers like Maddison, Kulusevski and now Bergvall has been a blow to Frank and he knows he needs to find a solution to this problem.

This looks like a potentially tough task for them against a solid Sunderland side that have conceded only once in their last four matches and shut out the Premier League’s most potent side on Thursday.

However, the Black Cats’ own scoring issues make them less appealing to win the game with a low-scoring draw probably the most likely outcome.

Sunderland have drawn each of their last three games either 0-0 or 1-1, so the Draw and Under 2.5 goals option remains backable.

Cristian Romero to be booked @ 7/4    

Cristian Romero returned from a one‑match suspension on Thursday and immediately flirted with further trouble after a reckless lunge on Igor Thiago in the second half. The Tottenham captain’s mistimed swipe caught none of the ball and plenty of the Brentford forward, who looked set to race through on goal before being sent tumbling.

Romero escaped punishment as the referee allowed play to continue and VAR did not intervene, but the incident summed up a fiery display in which he committed a season‑high four fouls.

Despite playing only 15 league matches, the Argentine has already amassed nine yellow cards and one red at the halfway point of the campaign.

He openly accepts his “bad reputation”, insisting his aggressive style is “in his blood” and rooted in how he learned to defend in Argentina.

With Sunderland’s physical forwards Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda ready to test him, Romero again looks the likeliest candidate for a booking on Sunday.

Football Betting tips from Betfred Insights.