Sunderland vs Tottenham Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This is a huge event at the Stadium of Light as Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur reign begins away at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Telemundo
Sunderland preview: Big win in the derby
Sunderland come into this one on the back of a brilliant victory in their most recent outing before the March international break as the Black Cats completed the double against arch-rivals Newcastle United a few weeks ago.
A late winner scored by Netherlands international striker Brian Brobbey has provided a bit of positivity back on Wearside after a dip in their form in recent months with a bit of pressure having grown.
Tottenham preview: Spurs in crisis
They now face a Tottenham side that have spent the last few weeks in yet another crisis with Igor Tudor replaced by former Brighton and Hove Albion boss De Zerbi - not necessarily someone known for his instant impact at clubs.
An instant impact is what is required for the north Londoners, too, as Spurs head into this one with the possibility of being knocked into the relegation zone if West Ham United defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers on penalties.
Sunderland team news: Ballard close
Northern Ireland international centre-back Daniel Ballard has been dealing with injury issues for a while but Regis Le Bris has said he is 'close' to a return, albeit this weekend comes too soon.
Key man Robin Roefs has returned to full fitness and so should come back in goal for the Black Cats, while Nilson Angulo remains sidelined alongside Romaine Mundle, Jocelin Ta Bi and Bertrand Traore.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Mayenda, Le Fee
Unavailable: Moore (Injured), Ballard (Injured), Mundle (Injured), Ta Bi (Injured), Angulo (Injured), Traore (Injured)
Questionable:
Tottenham team news: Vicario out
Guglielmo Vicario is sidelined for Tottenham and that will lead to a big decision in goal for De Zerbi, with Antonin Kinsky, after his humiliation against Atletico Madrid, potentially starting once again.
Mohammed Kudus is also sidelined for this weekend after suffering a setback the other day with both Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel both doubtful for this one.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Simons, Richarlison; Solanke
Unavailable: Vicario (Injured), Davies (Injured), Bentancur (Injured), Bissouma (Injured), Maddison (Injured), Kudus (Injured), Kulusevski (Injured), Odobert (Injured)
Questionable: Sarr (Injured), Tel (Injured)
Sunderland vs Tottenham prediction
Tottenham have been genuinely woeful for a while now. The mood at the club appears to be something massively contributing to the situation and the divisive appointment of De Zerbi is not necessarily one that will provide unity. Spurs will head to Sunderland with an ideologue at the helm and things can't get much worse but it will surely take time for them to become immediately fluent and, given the solidity and the approach of Sunderland, a low-scoring debut for the Italian would appear a decent bet.
Sunderland vs Tottenham tip: Under 2.5 goals
