Sunderland 11/5 for triumphant post-derby homecoming against Everton

Sunderland’s 3-0 victory at the home of their bitterest rivals last weekend was vital in their fight against relegation, but it’s restorative powers should not be judged simply in terms points on the board, with the self-belief engendered by a first victory over their bitter rivals since 2008 entitling the Black Cats to a hero’s homecoming. Their poor run against the Magpies is nothing on their record against Everton, who they haven’t beaten since December 2000, but with the wind in their sails they can be backed to end another hoodoo this weekend at 11/5.

Few beyond the most evangelical Sunderland fans can have expected a victory against Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekend, let alone a victory be a three goals, their best away win margin of the campaign. Yet they are a side that even in the midst of their Martin O’Neil doldrums had managed to score three goals in triumphs on four occasions before their derby success.

The Black Cats have been better, or rather not as bad, as they’ve been given (dis) credit for in recent home games, with their last three home defeats coming by a single goal to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United. Draws with Swansea, Fulham and Norwich were unsatisfactory, but far from appalling results, coming as they did from a side in the death throes of a doomed managerial reign.

Everton have been difficult to beat away from home this, but they’re more than capable of throwing in a stinker against their more lowly foes, losing at Reading and Norwich this term and drawing at Southampton, Stoke, QPR and even Oldham.

They’re also light on road goals of late, drawing blanks in three of their last five away league games and given Sunderland are resolutely tight on Wearside – shipping a goal or less in eight of their last nine outings at the Stadium of Light – under 2.5 goals looks worth a wager at 7/10 with Coral.

With Self belief renewed amongst Sunderland players and fans alike, the Black Cats can shade a tight contest.