Sunderland to struggle at Stanley

Accrington host Sunderland in a massive game for both clubs on Wednesday night and it could be a cracker.

EFL Trophy hang-over

Sunderland’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Portsmouth on Sunday was probably the worst result the Black Cats could hope for. It might seem strange to consider that losing on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw is worse than being tonked in normal time but far from it.

Sunderland have a huge back-log of games to get through in League One and will be playing four games in an 11 day run between the April 3 and 13. To have to play 120 minutes only to taste defeat is exactly what they didn’t need.

With Barnsley six points ahead of them having played three games more you could argue that Sunderland’s destiny is in their own hands, which is true but most managers would prefer to have the points on the board at this stage of the campaign rather than play catch-up.

The pitch is a leveller

There is no doubt that Sunderland have the better team than Accrington and rightly so given the difference in budget but that will not be as big a factor in this one as people think.

The pitch at Accrington’s Wham Stadium has come under a lot of scrutiny following comments made by Fleetwood manager Joey Barton and this will work in the home sides favour.

If Stanley can prevent the Black Cats exerting their superiority then the game will become tense and the home side will have the advantage, a poor playing surface will only help in this endeavour.

History could repeat itself

When Accrington visited the Stadium of Light earlier this season the fans were treated to an excellent spectacle. Accrington showed what a good side they are on their day and were fully deserving of a point in the 2-2 draw.

This game may well be similar. Accrington took a two goal lead in the previous meeting and it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see them get their noses in front on Wednesday but Sunderland often start playing only after falling behind.

In fact, the Black Cats have gained 23 points from losing positions this season, more than any other side in the division so write them off at your peril.

All to play for

Games with a lot riding on them can often produce the kind of football that flows about as well as a brick in treacle.

Accrington are desperate to avoid the drop in a 13 team relegation battle while Sunderland are trying to chase down Barnsley for a place in the automatic promotion places. No one, therefore, would be surprised if this was a tetchy affair.

Betting tip

This game is not for the feint hearted but should be a good watch for the neutral. Both sides will want maximum points yet will be desperate to avoid defeat so backing the game to end in a draw at odds of 13/5 may not be a bad shout at all.

Bet Draw on Unibet