Sunderland vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Six of Bournemouth’s last seven matches have featured at least three goals
• The Cherries have concede 12 goals in their last four away games
• Sunderland are unbeaten in six home league matches this season

Home form a big boost for Black Cats

Sunderland are defying the odds after promotion and even though they have gone three matches without a win, they are still a difficult nut to crack at the Stadium of Light.

Premier League leaders Arsenal found this when they drew there 2-2 before the international break and, after a 1-0 defeat at Fulham last week, the Wearsiders will be delighted to be back at base.

They have not lost in six outings there, including wins over West Ham, Brentford and Wolves and the fact they have also claimed impressive successes on the road at Nottingham Forest and Chelsea means the new boys are entitled to fear no-one.

Defensive issues a worry for Cherries

Bournemouth, meanwhile have been an exciting team to watch this season and their 12 games have featured a total of 39 goals – only West Ham boast a higher figure with 40.

However, their defending has been an issue recently and a 3-1 loss at Manchester City and a 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa in their two most recent away games does not bode well for the Cherries.

They also had their issues at home to the Hammers last week when they earned a point after conceding two first-half goals to their former striker Callum Wilson.

They have conceded 12 goals in their last four away games and all but one of their last seven games has produced more than two goals, so over 2.5 looks a decent shout with Sunderland’s excellent home form the key factor in predicting the Black Cats can emerge with a 2-1 success.

Ballard looks one to watch

Anytime-goalscorer punters are pointed towards Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, who can oblige at a big price.

The Northern Ireland centre-half is a big factor at set-pieces, where Sunderland have gained plenty of joy this season and he was on target in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Having scored a memorable late winner in the Black Cats’ playoff semi-final victory over Coventry last season, it is worth chancing that the robust stopper can do the damage at the other end and score his third Premier League goal of the season.