Allardyce’s Sunderland can hamper Leicester title dreams
Published:
Following four 1-0 wins on the trot for Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester, those enjoying the Foxes incredible underdog story may be tempted to think that a fixture against 18th-placed Sunderland might be a mere formality. But the recent form of Allardyce’s charges suggests Leicester would be foolish to underestimate them.
One of only four Premier League teams to have been unbeaten in their last four games, the Black Cats have been turning defeats into draws. They will also consider themselves unfortunate not to have tasted victory in a couple of their most recent clashes.
The Wearsiders were unfortunate not to win in last weekend’s clash against West Brom, as Tony Pulis’ men somehow survived an attacking onslaught without managing to trouble an increasingly solid defensive unit.
Sunderland have conceded only five times in their past five games, and now boast the best defensive record of the sides currently in the bottom four this season, as well as having netted as many goals as eighth-placed Stoke City.
Leicester have admittedly produced an impressive winning streak following a brief wobble which included defeat at Arsenal and a home draw against the Baggies.
However, the East Midlands club have had a little fortune en route to those four straight clean sheets and face one of the league’s more prolific strikers in Jermain Defoe.
The North-East side have also not lost at home to Leicester in the last six meetings, while February’s win over Manchester United and dramatic comeback at Anfield proves they have no fear of the league’s bigger sides.
Sunderland are 12/5 to get an all-important victory, and Jermain Defoe, the first goalscorer in two of the Wearsiders’ last three games is 11/2 to repeat the feat against Leicester.
The Black Cats are currently 2/7 to be relegated this season, but a morale-boosting win here and a continued improvement in performances can pave the way for a great escape.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
