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Martin O’Neill takes charge of Sunderland for the very first time as the Black Cats take on fellow bottom-of-the-table strugglers Blackburn on Sunday.
O’Neill was appointed as Steve Bruce’s successor last month and was present at Sunderland’s last defeat, a 2-1 reverse against Wolverhampton Wonderers, and the former Leicester and Aston Villa will know that first and foremost he has to get them winning again after a woeful start to the season.
Under Bruce the Black Cats recorded just two wins in their first 13 games of the season, with club chairman Ellis Short finally running out of patience after the late defeat against relegation threatened Wolves last month.
O’Neill has quite the challenge on his hands if he is to turn around the fortunes of Sunderland, and first or foremost the Northern Irishman has already admitted that he must do something about his new squad’s confidence which is at an all-time low.
Three points will do wonders for Sunderland’s self-belief going into what could be a vital Christmas period, especially against a side expected to be fighting for their survival come the end of the season.
Blackburn meanwhile were able to pick up a vital win against Swansea last weekend, with Yakubu coming to Rovers’ rescue with four goals to give them their first win in the league since September.
That took them to within one point of escaping the relegation zone for the time being, but that has relieved the pressure on Steve Kean who continues to be hounded by the Ewood Park faithful.
Protests have been common place at Blackburn this season as the one-time Premier League winners lurched from crisis to crisis, but matters took a turn for the worse against Swansea when a small band of fans continued to protest even after all three points were secure.
Striker Nicklas Bendtner has been struggling with a groin problem all week and is a doubt while defender Phil Bardsley is also doubtful for the game.
Midfielder Lee Cattermole misses out through suspension after picking up five yellow cards along while Connor Wickham and goalkeepers Simon Mignolet and Craig Gordon remain on the sidelines.
Steve Kean has fewer injury worries, with only Ryan Nelson and Martin Olsson doubtful, while Steven Nzonzi is still serving his three game suspension.
Match Winner
In what could be described as a relegation six-pointer where it a few months down the line it is the home side that are being backed to emerge victorious and give Martin O’Neill the perfect start to life at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are 1.91 (10/11) to claim three much needed points with SkyBet while an away win is 4.60 (18/5) with VC Bet.
The draw is at 3.60 (13/5) with BetFred.
First Goalscorer
Yakubu proved his outstanding eye for goal last week with four goals against Swansea and the Nigerian journeyman is amongst the favourites to get on the scoresheet again this weekend.
He’s 9.00 (8/1) withVC Bet to get proceedings underway while team-mate Jason Roberts is 11.00 (10/1) with Bet365.
Nicklas Bendtner is Sunderland’s leading favourite to score and is 7.00 (6/1) with Coral, with Ji Dong-Wong is 7.00 (6/1) with BetFred.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Yakubu 9.00 (8/1) VC Bet
Correct scorer: Sunderland 1-0, 8.50 (15/2) Coral
