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The FA Cup fourth round sees in-form Sunderland take on Conference National side Kidderminster Harriers at the Stadium of light.
Sunderland had one of the worst starts in Premier League history this season, but after the sacking of Paulo Di Canio and the appointment of Gus Poyet, the team slowly recovered and right now the Black Cats are playing some of the best football in England. Sunderland`s form is brilliant, with a single defeat in the last 11 matches, a timeframe in which they defeated the likes of Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United. Sunderland is on the back of a 2-1 (extra time) League Cup defeat at Old Trafford, but they reached the final via penalties, so morale couldn`t be higher for the hosts.
Kidderminster is hoping to gain access to the League 2 this season, as they are currently on 5th place in the Conference National. The visitors are mainly a home team, with a poor record on the road in the league (4-2-7, 12-22 goal difference) and their form is not top notch right now, considering they lost 5 out of their last 6 games. Kidderminster is on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to 23rd placed Dartford, so things are not looking so good for the underdogs coming into this FA Cup 4th round. Kidderminster just made a manager change 2 weeks ago.
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Team news & lineups
Of course Sunderland will rotate the squad a bit, resting some players like O’Shea, Fletcher, Bardsley or Mannone, but if you look at the probable lineup, it`s actually pretty strong, Premier League level for sure. Kidderminster will miss striker Lolley, one of their best and most in-form players.
Sunderland: Ustari – Celustka, Roberge, Vergini, Dossena – Larsson, Gardner, Cattermole, Giaccherini – Borini, Altidore
Kidderminster: Lewis – Vaughan, Demetriou, Jackman, Gowling – Byrne, Storer, Fowler, Johnson – Gash, Malbon
The quality gap is obvious here, but it`s not the sole reason for which I will bet on Sunderland to win and cover the 1 goal handicap. The hosts are not only better, but in fantastic form and with great morale, plus they will field a solid first 11. Also, Kidderminster, despite being a solid Conference side, is currently playing very poorly and they are also a non-factor on the road, even in the 5th tier of english football. Sunderland should have enough firepower with Larsson and Giaccherini supporting Borini and Altidore, so I expect Kidderminster to be under constant pressure and allow a number of clear cut chances (especially since they don`t have the most solid defense). My pick is Sunderland to cover a 1 goal handicap and they might even do it with goals to spare. My input is this is the best Fa Cup bet this Saturday. Prediction for this one: Sunderland – Kidderminster Harriers 3-0.
Pick: Sunderland (-1,5)
Odds: 1.90 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.20
Event date: 25 January
Editor Facts
- Rostick is 3 for 6 in tips involving Sunderland this season
