Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Back the hosts to take something from Sunday's clash at the Stadium of Light
**Sunderland have made a solid start on their return to the top flight and they are expected to take a least a point from this contest. **
At the start of the season, if you'd offered Sunderland fans seven points from their first four matches, they'd have snapped your hand clean off. Admittedly, the Black Cats haven't had the toughest start to the Premier League season; however, they must build up a buffer at this stage of the campaign before the fixtures become trickier and the injuries begin to mount up.
They've won both home matches so far, seeing off Brentford and West Ham and have looked comfortable in both encounters. A 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend showed that Regis Le Bris's side can execute the defensive side of the game, with Robin Roefs pulling off numerous saves to preserve the point.
Aston Villa have made a poor start to the season, with Unai Emery urging his side to 'keep going' following their midweek cup performance. They are still searching for their first victory of the season and have struggled in front of the goal. They have Harvey Elliott, who got off the mark on Tuesday, and Jadon Sancho should start influencing games in a claret shirt before long.
Emery believes his side is improving, yet their xG numbers do not make for pretty reading. They look far too open at the back and haven't created enough at the other end of the pitch. This is a tough place to go for the Villains; however, they have been priced up as the favourites despite their underwhelming start.
As a result, backing Sunderland to avoid defeat looks like the value option here. Regis Le Bris can execute game plans to perfection and there is a confidence about this Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.