Tottenham aim for a return to get back to winning ways following the controversial and unlucky defeat to Stoke and Spurs have got to be considered hot favourites in the clash with Sunderland. The Black Cats somehow managed to win their first game under Martin O’Neill, but they are likely to face much tougher task at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham should have won at Britannia

Even if things had not looked good for Tottenham after the opening defeats to Manchester rivals, Spurs quickly managed to rediscover their form and have been nothing short of outstanding ever since. Harry Redknapp’s side coped remarkably well with all the injury problems, with the run of 10 wins in 11 Premier League games helping Spurs become genuine top 4 contenders. Following some amazing performances, Tottenham finally suffered their third defeat of the season as they were narrowly beaten by Stoke at Britannia Stadium, but everyone who watched the game will tell you that Harry Redknapp’s side did not deserve to lose. Not only did Spurs largely outclass their opponents, but they had several penalty appeals wrongfully turned down and they are now very motivated to return to the right track and further consolidate their top 4 place. Having recorded five straight Premiership victories at White Hart Lane, four of which were achieved by at least a two-goal margin, Spurs will fancy their chances against struggling Sunderland.

Ledley King is expected to replace suspended Younes Kaboul, but Roman Pavlyuchenko, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone remain sidelined.

The Martin O’Neill effect

I am certainly not one of those who think that a coach should be sacked after several poor results, but I still believe that Sunderland board was right to show Steve Bruce the door. With plenty of cash at his disposal over the last two years, the former Manchester United defender should have created a much better side and he is definitely the one to blame for the disappointing results this season. I have absolutely no doubts that Martin O’Neill is going to bring improvement to the side, but the game against Blackburn showed that the Black Cats could find it hard to escape the relegation battle. Sunderland did win the game after scoring two late goals, but they couldn’t outplay one of the weakest sides in the Premiership at their Stadium of Light, so you can imagine that they will have big problems when facing high-flying Tottenham at the Lane. The poor atmosphere in the side only got worse when it was revealed that Nicklas Bendtner and captain Lee Cattermole were arrested last week, and that only adds to the worries.

Lee Cattermole returns from suspension, but Nicklas Bendtner and Craig Gardner are still rated doubtful.

Verdict

Tottenham have been on top of their game of late and the controversial defeat to Stoke is likely to make the team even more determined to prove their worth. Sunderland are largely struggling at the moment and I just cannot see how they are going to match their more illustrious opponents.

Our prediction: Tottenham with -1.5 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.13 (113/100)

Bookmaker: 188BET