SUNDERLAND v WIGAN - BLACKS CATS WIN FA CUP FIGHT AT THE STADIUM OF LIGHT?
These two struggling Premier League clubs clash in the FA Cup for the first time in history this weekend. The opposing managers Steve Bruce and Roy Keane shared plenty of success as team-mates at Old Trafford playing in back-to-back FA Cup finals together but may see this competition as a burden on their respective club’s limited playing staff as League survival takes precedent over cup glory.
The Latics have an excellent recent record against the Black Cats with 3 straight wins without conceding a goal in the process. They will also be buoyed by a shock draw at Liverpool in their last match. Under Bruce Wigan have begun to pick up results and have lost just once in 5 games. However, they have yet to win an away game this season so a trip to the Stadium of Light is not one to relish.
The Black Cats dropped back into the relegation zone after defeat at Blackburn in their last match as the Latics leapfrogged them in the process on goal difference. However, Sunderland have a decent home record of 1 defeat in the last 6 matches and that was against Manchester United. They will see this as a match they can win but a lot depends on the sides the opposing managers decide to put out. It is worth backing the home side as the vocal support of their fans should ensure a display even if not at full strength so back Keane for cup glory on Premier 10.
Pundit’s Pick: Cup joy for Roy (home win)
Tags: 05/01/08, Black cats, Latics, Roy Keane, Steve Bruce, Sunderland, Wigan
