English FA CUP
2012-02-08 - Middlesbrough vs Sunderland
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Not only local pride is at stake but most importantly a place in the next round awaits the winner when Middlesbrough welcomes Sunderland after their initial clash ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. But today at the Riverside stadium there must be a winner. So if it remains at all square after 90 minutes that means we could see extra time and penalties being played.
In the initial clash Middlesbrough Barry Robson's early goal cancelled out on the hour mark by Fraizer Campbell. But it must be stated here that Middlesbrough have failed to win in their last 5 matches in all competitions with their last win coming in the third round of the cup against Shrewsbury. On the other hand, Sunderland have won their last three Premier League fixtures to move into the top half of the table. Despite not havign a good FA Cup in the past, that is something that will not stop Martin O'Neill from going a step further here. Sunderland knows if they can win then a mouth watering clash with Arsenal is on the cards in the next round.
Team News :
Middlesbrough Team News :
Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald's season could be over as he is out with a knee injury. Mowbray will be able to call upon former Black Cats man Julio Arca after he completed the three-match ban which kept him out of the initial clash which ended in a draw. However, midfielder Faris Haroun (hamstring) and striker Marvin Emnes (calf) are both rated doubtful ahead of the game. Also rated 50-50 is midfielder Robson, who did not play at the weekend after having a cast put on his hand to protect a dislocated finger.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Danny Coyne (calf), midfielders Nicky Robson (knee) and Merouane Zemmama (hernia surgery) and striker Bart Ogbeche (hamstring) will miss out for Middlesbrough.
Sunderland Team News :
Sunderland boss O'Neill will be without loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos. The pair, who joined the club on loan before the end of the transfer deadline, did not arrive in time to be registered for the competition.
Skipper Lee Cattermole will miss out once again as a result of the hamstring problem which kept him out of the initial game against his former club, while Nicklas Bendtner(broken nose), Wes Brown (knee), David Vaughan and Matt Kilgallon (both ankle) and Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) remain on the treatment table.
Predictions
Go for Sunderland to get through here with the win and progress to the next round.
The Pick :
Middlesbrough 1-2 Sunderland
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Sunderland to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Sunderland to carry their Premiership form here into the FA Cup and give the 1/2 ball away here.
