Analysis:

Sunderland welcome the visit of Stoke to the Stadium of Light on Monday night as transfer deadline day comes to a close. There has been rumours that Steve Bruce could go for Stoke's out-of-favour striker James Beattie ahead of the meeting on Wearside, while Alan Hutton is in the area to discuss a switch from Tottenham.

Tony Pulis of Stoke has been reportedly made a £3million bid to sign Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as doubts surround interest in David James. But the focus will be on the field despite there could be a bizarre business between these two clubs on going.

Speculation has come that Steve Bruce could get the sack after a poor run of form that has seen them go nine league games without a win. But the visitors Stoke are not doing much better either with just one win in their last eight Premiership games. Stoke could be overtaken by their hosts, who sit one place below, if they lose at the Stadium of Light, where only Chelsea and Aston Villa have won all season there.

As for the team news, the home side will hope that Phil Bardsley will be able to recover from a hamstring problem while they are also keen to have Lee Cattermole abck in the side after a back injury and illness. Michael Turner hopes to feature if he can recover in time from a knee injury. Fellow centre-back Anton Ferdinand is definitely out with his ankle problem and Kieran Richardson is also out of this clash.

As for Stoke, Tony Pulias has no injury concerns ahead of this clash and could keep the same side that beat Arsenal in the FA Cup. Abdoulaye Faye might be included as the Stoke's club captain is back in training after a calf problem which forced him to miss the Arsenal's win. Dean Whitehead and Danny Collins will return to Sunderland since moving to Stoke.

Go for this match to end in a draw.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Draw 1-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Go for this match to end in a draw.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Raje Stoke and accept the 1/4 ball here.