Sunderland - Middlesbrough Betting Preview: Expect a tense affair when rivals meet

Oct 29, 2012 3:30:00 PM

Both sides come into this match on a decent run of form and Willie Duncan believes that, as was the case in last season's FA Cup, they will prove tough to separate

Pride and passion will come to the fore in Tuesday night’s Capital One clash at Stadium of Light, as Premier League Sunderland play host to Championship side Middlesbrough, in what promises to be a full-blooded Tees-Wear derby.

The fixture is sure to evoke memories of the pulsating FA Cup tie between the two sides last season, which ended in a 1-1 draw, before Sunderland progressed to the next round by winning the replay at the Riverside Stadium.

Martin O’Neill’s Black Cats have lost just one of their 10 competitive fixtures in all competitions so far this term and they are available at 18/25 (1.72) with Marathon Bet to progress to the next round by seeing off their neighbours on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough, though, will be brimming with confidence, having tasted defeat just once in their last eight matches, winning each of their last four.

Boro are rated as a 23/5 (5.60) chance with Marathon Bet, while the same firm go 11/4 (3.75) that the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes.

Sunderland may have only lost one of their opening eight Premier League fixtures, but Martin O’Neill will be concerned by his side’s lack of firepower.

The Black Cats have scored just six goals – fewer than any other club in the top flight – but the Northern Irishman can take some comfort from the fact that only Chelsea and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals at this juncture of the season.

Given those statistics, aligned with the tension that is sure to surround this match, a low-scoring encounter looks likely here and, subsequently, the 99/100 (1.99) quote from Marathon Bet for fewer than three goals to be scored looks to represent excellent value and should be backed accordingly here.

Marathon Bet offer a tempting 9/2 (5.50) that the match is drawn at both half-time and full-time, while the outstanding 33/5 (7.60) quote from the same firm for a repeat of last season’s 1-1 draw is the value pick here and should be snapped up by punters.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Under 2.5 goals at 99/100 (1.90) with Marathon Bet

1-1 draw at 33/5 (7.60) with Marathon Bet

Sign up with Marathon Bet for a 10% price boost on winning accumulators

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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