Bet £10, Get £50 with this 110/1 Forest vs Sunderland Bet Builder
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
The Saturday evening clash at the City Ground isn’t the day’s standout affair, but it should be an open game. Ange Postecoglou is starting to get his ideas across at Forest, while Sunderland haven’t looked out of place in the Premier League following their summer spending.
We see little between the pair in our free match predictions, but there are some interesting player props ahead of the game. I’ve picked out five bets which combine for a massive 110/1 Bet Builder, which you can back below with Paddy Power.
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland Ultimate Bet Builder
Elliot Anderson to make an assist
Anderson has enjoyed a strong start to the season, despite the early turmoil at Forest. In fact, the club’s managerial change appears to be helping the midfielder grow in terms of his impact on the game.
Anderson recorded an assist in their opening game against Brentford, but he can kick-on under Postecoglou’s watch. The midfielder recorded a season-high seven touches in the opposition penalty area against Betis in midweek, while he has made 14 shot-creating actions across his previous two appearances.
His increasing importance to Forest’s build-up play makes him a standout in the anytime assist market.
Chemsdine Talbi 1+ shots on target
Talbi hasn’t quite hit the heights of Sunderland’s other summer signings, but the 20-year-old looks to have nailed down his spot on the right wing.
The Moroccan international has taken at least one shot in four straight Premier League games, including two efforts against Aston Villa. He averaged 0.95 shots on target per 90 minutes in Belgium last term, so he should prove to be a significant threat for the Black Cats before long.
Sunderland face a Forest side who are producing some concerning numbers at the back. Nuno’s final two games saw them concede 11 shots on target, while they’ve conceded at least four shots on target per game in Postecoglou’s first four matches. Left-back already looks like a problem position for Forest, so back Talbi for at least one shot on target.
Dan Ballard 1+ shots
Sunderland’s Premier League status owes an enormous debt to Dan Ballard’s incredible equaliser against Coventry in the playoffs. The defender followed that up with a strong showing against West Ham in their Premier League opener, scoring from one of his four shots in that clash.
Ballard was withdrawn due to injury just eight minutes into their second game, while the Northern Ireland international returned off the bench on Sunday. He’s in line to start at the City Ground, having averaged a shot on goal per 30 minutes of action this term.
That number will be unsustainable in the long run, but he had 49 shots in 63 league games across the previous two campaigns. Set piece woes should become an issue for Forest before long, so back Ballard to continue his strong start to the season.
Chris Rigg to be carded
Sunderland’s homegrown 18-year-old midfielder was withdrawn after only 37 minutes last week, making way in a reshuffle forced by Reinildo’s red card.
Rigg should get another Premier League start this weekend, with Habib Diarra set for a spell on the sidelines. For all of his promise, Rigg was booked nine times in the Championship last season. He’s made a foul in both of his starts this term, so he’s a great option to be carded in an expanded role this weekend.
Arthur Masuaku to be fouled 1+ times
With Reinildo suspended and Dennis Cirkin ruled out, Masuaku is expected to fill in at left-back for Sunderland this weekend. Reinildo has been fouled nine times so far, more than any other Sunderland player.
Masuaku was fouled 33 times in 40 appearances for Besiktas last term, while the rampaging full-back will come across Forest’s leader in terms of fouls, right-back Neco Williams.
Winger Dan Ndoye is also averaging 0.5 fouls per 90 minutes, so odds-against on Masuaku to be fouled at least once holds a lot of appeal.
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