How Sunderland can banish recent woes by continuing strong Stoke streak

Moyes knew the size of the task at hand upon arriving at the Stadium of Light, but even he may have been surprised by such another slow start to the term. Though there’s no better time to revive form and fortunes against a struggling Stoke this weekend.

Hughes led the Potters to a ninth-place finish last season and has overseen many big names arrive at the club during his tenure, most notably former Barcelona starlet Bojan Krkic and more recently Manchester City frontman Wilfried Bony on loan.

Although, the former Man City boss has failed to get his summer signings to gel this term, with Bony looking out of sorts while Ramadan Sobhi and Bruno Martins Indi are yet to fully settle into new surroundings. Stoke are also without a domestic win this season, entering this clash on a run of four defeats and two draws.

It may be a bit premature to call it a relegation six-pointer, but rather than a must-win game it could be seen as a must-not-lose encounter and Sunderland are 12/5 to come away from their latest trip with a point.

Defoe key to grabbing away result

Sunderland’s away record this season has been far from encouraging but, with their latest opponents and likely relegation rivals suffering from a lack of confidence, it’s a great time for Moyes’ side to capitalise and clinical marksman Jermain Defoe should be key.

The Black Cats striker was an integral part of his side’s successful bid to beat the drop last season under scorned former England boss Sam Allardyce, netting 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. His crucial strikes included a successfully converted injury time penalty to earn a draw against Stoke.

Defoe, who has already dispatched four times in seven games this season, is therefore 5/4 to get on the scoresheet again anytime against a defensively weak Stoke. The Potters have been shipping goals lately, holding the top-flight’s second worst defensive record, and Sunderland’s prolific poacher will be hungry for more success.

Dutch defender Patrick van Aanholt has also enjoyed some scoring form this season, with two goals in six outings and, having netted in the home win over Stoke last term, he is 7/1 to tuck away another anytime.

With such a promising fixture record over Stoke, Sunderland can look to launch a season revival on their weekend travels in order to avoid being dragged deep into a late relegation scrap this campaign once again.

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