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Sunderland toyed with the drop last season and although I firmly believe that they would still have stayed up with O’Neill at the helm, Di Canio’s arrival ignited some much needed fire in players and the fans alike. The Italian has overhauled the squad and brought in numerous players including Diakate from Lazio, Giaccherini from Juventus and Altidore from AZ. They had a very solid pre-season and are aware that they need a good start in order to avoid getting entangled in the relegation battle once again.
In addition, Sunderland face Fulham (H), Crystal Palace (A) and Southampton (A) in their opening three matches before hosting Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in three of their next four. Three points are a must given their tricky September schedule.
Fulham were solid mid-table in the last few years. They haven’t made major changes in summer and one would expect a consistent showing from them along the season. They haven’t really shined in pre-season and their forward line has appeared pretty stale. Nonetheless Berbatov in particular has always proven to be a goal hitter when it matters. In addition they have recently announced the transfer of another proven scorer, Derren Bent.
I expect this game to be close however I feel that the home advantage and bigger hunger for a win sway it in favour of the Black Cats. Medium-low level stakes.
Pick: 1
Odds: 2.3
Bookmaker: ➾ William Hill
Stake: 5 units
Tipster: ibfm23
| TIPSTER: Ibfm23 | Total profit: +12.76 | Tips won: 13 |
| Country: Malta | Total yield: +5.45% | Tips lost: 16 |
| Speciality: Football | Total picks: 31 | Tips pushed: 2 |
| 14.09 | • Watford vs Charlton | 2.05 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 14.09 | • Burnley vs Blackburn | 2 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 10.09 | • Ukraine vs England | 2.63 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 10.09 | • Armenia vs Denmark | 2.3 | 10 | ✅ | +13 |
| 10.09 | • Iceland vs Albania | 2.2 | 8 | ✅ | +9.6 |
| 06.09 | • Poland vs Montenegro | 2 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 06.09 | • Czech Republic vs Armenia | 2.15 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 31.08 | • Blackburn vs Bolton | 2.5 | 5 | ✅ | +7.5 |
| 31.08 | • Oxford vs Rochdale | 2.1 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 27.08 | • PAOK vs Schalke | 2.3 | 8 | ✅ | +10.4 |
