Sunderland vs Burnley Predictions

• Burnley are unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions – although the Clarets have recorded seven draws during that run.
• Only Preston North End and Luton Town have bettered Burnley’s return of 13 points on their travels in the Championship this season.
• Sunderland, meanwhile, have only won one of their last six games – though three of those contests have ended level.

Kompany targeting wins

While one defeat in his first 15 league games at the helm demonstrates the excellent work being done by Vincent Kompany at Burnley, the Clarets need to shake off their frustrating tendency for draws if they are to succeed in their promotion quest – Burnley are unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions, but seven of them have ended level. A trip to Wearside to face Sunderland, however, could represent the ideal opportunity for Burnley to do just that.

Burnley posted back-to-back wins for just the second time all season before drawing at Birmingham City last time out, and have yet to taste defeat since losing to Watford in early August. Meanwhile, the Clarets’ return of 13 away points is only bettered by two Championship sides this campaign, and wherever they go, they are certain to dominate possession; Kompany’s men have only failed to have over 60 per cent of the play in four of their 16 games under him, and they will likely set the tone on Saturday.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have only won one of their last six games, beating struggling Wigan Athletic in their last home contest. Tony Mowbray has a perfectly balanced record since taking the job, posting three wins, three draws and three losses, with their trio of stalemates all coming within their last six outings. Though the Black Cats have improved their home form recently, going unbeaten in four such games, they have won just two of their seven home contests this season.

Burnley worth backing – but beware the draw

No Championship side can better Burnley’s tally of 25 goals this season, and only Preston have conceded fewer than their 13 goals against. If Kompany’s men can cut out the stalemates, they look a strong bet for promotion – and they may be worth backing on Saturday.

However, only five second-tier sides (Burnley among them) have recorded more draws than Sunderland this season – making the draw no bet market appealing.

A 2-1 away win, meanwhile, could represent a decent correct score play; both teams have netted in six of Burnley’s last eight games, as well as in two of the hosts’ last three.