FootyMAD's Sunderland match preview

Last updated : 21 January 2005 By Footymad Previewer
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History of the Sunderland v Sheffield United fixture

Sheff. Utd. face a trip to Sunderland at Stadium Of Light on Saturday afternoon, needing to turn around their fortunes at the ground. The Blades will be hoping to improve upon a record which has seen them lose 43 and win only 10 of the 68 games.

The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in April 2004, with Sunderland running out comfortable 3 - 0 winners in a League Division One match.

For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here

Recent encounters between the teams:
2004/2005Tue 28 SepSheff. Utd.1 - 0SunderlandCHMP
2003/2004Fri 09 AprSunderland3 - 0Sheff. Utd.CHMP
2003/2004Sun 07 MarSunderland1 - 0Sheff. Utd.FAC
2003/2004Sat 04 OctSheff. Utd.0 - 1SunderlandCHMP
2002/2003Tue 03 DecSheff. Utd.2 - 0SunderlandLC
1998/1999Sat 24 AprSunderland0 - 0Sheff. Utd.CHMP
1998/1999Sat 28 NovSheff. Utd.0 - 4SunderlandCHMP

Recent respective form guides

Sunderland have only performed averagely at home, winning 3 and losing 2 of their last six. The goals for column just outweighs the goals against over this period, 9 to 8.

The Blades have had a decent run of form away from home recently, tasting just one defeat in their last six, and picking up four good wins. The Blades's have a narrow positive goal difference over these games, with 10 goals for and 9 against.

Sunderland are just outside the promotion places, in 3rd, having taken 53 points from 29 games. Sheff. Utd.'s total of 48 points from their 29 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Coca-Cola Championship.

For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here

Current form guides:PWDLFAP
Sunderland631211910
Sheff. Utd.640210612

FootyMad's prediction ...

Sheff. Utd. are in smashing form away from home at present, and Footymad sees this carrying them to a narrow victory at Sunderland. Away win

Sequence statistics:
Sunderland Unbeaten run of 3 matches.
Sheff. Utd. Undefeated in last 5 away games.
Last drawn game 8 outings ago.