Blackburn vs Sunderland – goals set to be at a premium

Blackburn and Sunderland meet on Monday night (kick-off 8.00pm) knowing that a win will lift the victors to the top half of the table.

But goals could be at a premium at Ewood Park, with both sides scoring just seven goals each in their seven games so far this season.

14 Premier League meetings between the teams have produced only 22 goals, and coupled with the fact that Sunderland have drawn their last four matches, a goalless draw is temptingly priced at 8/1.

The prospect of goals is diminished further by doubts about the involvement of Sunderland striker Darren Bent, who is struggling with a groin injury he picked up on England duty.

Bent has not yet been ruled out, and if he can prove his fitness in time to feature at Ewood Park, the man who already has five league goals this season could be worth backing at 9/2 to break the deadlock.

Sunderland’s record signing Asamoah Gyan is pushing for a starting role, and the Ghanaian striker is a tempting 6/1 to open the scoring against Blackburn.

Blackburn also have injuries concerns, with Keith Andrews and Vince Grella definitely out, and Ryan Nelsen and David Dunn doubtful.

Mame Diouf is Blackburn’s top scorer so far this term with four goals in all competitions, and he is available at 9/2 to fire the opening goal.

Home advantage means that Blackburn begin the match as 11/10 favourites, while Sunderland are priced at a tempting 5/2 to claim a first away win of the season.

But with the low-scoring nature of matches between these sides in mind, the draw appears to be good value at 23/10.

How do you think this match will go? You can bet on Blackburn to win both halves at 5/2. See the full Blackburn vs Sunderland Match Betting Odds market.