Cats look to show claws
NEW owner, new manager and 11 new faces – but will it be the same old story for Sunderland?
A clean sweep from boardroom to the dressing room is exactly what was needed after years of decay and disappointment. There is now an air of optimism not felt around the Stadium of Light in ages.
But with so many still to familiarise themselves with the North East, it is only reasonable to expect Sunderland fans to be patient with Jack Ross and his new-look
Black Cats.
Starved of home wins, Sunderland fans have only witnessed only six home wins in the last two league campaigns, a statistic that is in need of a drastic change. They are 5-6 to get their first victory under Ross today against Charlton Athletic.
The Addicks should be buoyed by last season’s late sprint to the play-offs.
But the long-running takeover saga, a lack of new signings, a long injury list and uncertainty over Lee Bowyer’s position means Sunderland might not find a better time to play Charlton.
Jerome Sinclair, on loan from Watford, adds a physicality and threat and he is 11-2 to score the first goal.
Tomorrow’s Leeds v Stoke City clash looks intriguing.
Just how will Marcelo Bielsa, the Godfather of Guardiola-ball, fare in the notoriously difficult Championship?
Whatever happens, it won’t be boring.
Stoke and WBA were both relegated but neither will be far away from the top come May. WBA - who take on Bolton
– are a top priced 4-1 to be promoted with Black Type.
Boss Darren Moore’s impressive finish to last season won him the job and has impressed me enough to think they’re a good bet to to win the division at 10-1.
Physically strong and disciplined, they have what it takes to grind out results.
The Community Shield sees Chelsea take on Manchester City with both sides hindered by the staggered return of the World Cup stars and transfer sagas.
This is a hard one to call but one thing’s for sure, it won’t be 0-0.
Sarri and Guardiola will go toe-to-toe so expect thrills. Over 3.5 goals is 7-4. SWANSEA kick off what I reckon could be a tough old campaign at Sheffield United tonight.
Keeping hold of Alfie Mawson and Sam Clucas – a hot Burnley target – will be key to their survival chances but I just cannot see both sticking around and that spells danger.
Graham Potter’s relegated side are 2-1 for a bottom half finish and that could be one of the best outright Championship bets of the season.
Our traders make Swansea 9-4 outsiders against United and that sounds about right to me.
A solid campaign last time out gives the hosts the upper hand in my book against a Swansea side who will take some time getting used to second-tier football having been away for seven seasons.
It’s been over seven years since these two last met. Swansea ran out 4-0 winners that day and Stephen Dobbie netted a brace.
Swansea’s most likely player on the pitch to match that today is Jordan Ayew (11-1).
He was busy with Marseille playing against a Lyon side including Hugo Lloris, Dejan Lovren and Alexandre Lacazette the last time the Swans and the Blades met. How times change. I’m expecting a lowscoring affair here, so under 2.5 goals at 8-13 would be my best bet.
And on the subject of French football, it’s Super Cup time with PSG taking on Monaco today (1pm) and I think the value is with the latter.