A decisive Premier League survival confrontation will take place on Saturday as Sunderland play host to Leicester City at the Stadium of Light. Both the Black Cats and the Foxes are above the relegation zone, but they need to keep collecting points if Hull City win at least one of their last two games. Leicester have not beaten Sunderland in their last five matches at the Stadium of Light, their last victory against the Black Cats was in the 2001-2002 season. The reverse fixture ended goalless, one of Sunderland's 15 draws this season.
Last weekend Sunderland grabbed a vital 2-0 win at Everton but they are not safe yet as Hull City are just two points behind. The Black Cats do have a game in hand but it's away at Arsenal, and with the last match of the season at Chelsea it's safe to say that their best chance of getting some points is against Leicester. Manager Dick Advocaat never got relegated in his 35-year career and rescuing the club this time would probably ensure he gets a contract for next season. John O'Shea and Jack Rodwell are sidelined for the hosts, along with Ricky Alvarez and Emmanuele Giaccherini.
Leicester are very close to completing an amazing comeback to avoid relegation, they are now 15th in the table and three points clear of the drop zone. Last weekend they defeated Southampton 2-0 to record their sixth victory in seven games. One more win would secure their safety, but they would also be safe with a point if Hull fail to beat Tottenham. The last game of the season for the Foxes is at home against already relegated Queens Park Rangers, so they have a good chance of getting points there as well. Matty James is out for the season and probably most of next season with a knee ligament injury, while Andy King is also out.
Probable line-ups:
Sunderland: Pantilimon - Jones, Coates, Brown, Van Aanholt - Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez - Wickham, Defoe, Graham
Leicester: Schmeichel - Wasilewski, Morgan, Huth - Albrighton, Drinkwater, Cambiasso, Schlupp - Mahrez - Vardy, Ulloa
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Sunderland win -2.80 Draw - 3.30 Leicester win - 2.75
mdacic 8 years ago
This match ended 0-0 and I must admit that I expected draw here. This is match where both teams can be satisfied with one points and nobody want to risk anything. Leicester now is safe with 4 points more than Hull and only one game left and Sunderland have 3 points more and they played one game less than Hull. So this was...
This match ended 0-0 and I must admit that I expected draw here. This is match where both teams can be satisfied with one points and nobody want to risk anything. Leicester now is safe with 4 points more than Hull and only one game left and Sunderland have 3 points more and they played one game less than Hull. So this was good result for both teams and I think that we will see this teams next year in Premier league again.
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galata86 8 years ago
Pearson is fantastic.Leicester fans are very proud on him.He and Alan Pardew were briliant with their teams so they will have lot of offers to get a job in some bigger clubs.Leicester are pretty rich,but they are spending their money smart.They dont crash money on some expensive players,they are looking to buy some talented...
Pearson is fantastic.Leicester fans are very proud on him.He and Alan Pardew were briliant with their teams so they will have lot of offers to get a job in some bigger clubs.Leicester are pretty rich,but they are spending their money smart.They dont crash money on some expensive players,they are looking to buy some talented players like Kramaric and company.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
This is historical result for Leicester. They managed to stay in Premier league, even they were far away from that just two month ago. Now, they can play for their soul last match. I am happy to see how teamwork gave them result. Manager Pearson did great job with his team and he showed how great coach he is. On the other...
This is historical result for Leicester. They managed to stay in Premier league, even they were far away from that just two month ago. Now, they can play for their soul last match. I am happy to see how teamwork gave them result. Manager Pearson did great job with his team and he showed how great coach he is. On the other side, Sunderland need one more point to secure place in Premier league next year.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Leicester saved a spot in a Premier League for next season.Fantastic job by both the players and the manager.They were outstanding in last 8 games.It proves that everything is possible when you work hard and believe in yourselfe.They can now look for new players,to strengthen all areas of the team.They will have some problems...
Leicester saved a spot in a Premier League for next season.Fantastic job by both the players and the manager.They were outstanding in last 8 games.It proves that everything is possible when you work hard and believe in yourselfe.They can now look for new players,to strengthen all areas of the team.They will have some problems to save their manager Pearson,he will be attractive to bigger clubs.
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sharpe 8 years ago
Leicester are out of danger now with that point against Sunderland but the home team will have to win one more point in the last round or to count that Newcastle and Hull not going to win their games in the last day of the season. Sunderland looks pretty much save now but you never now till the last game in the crazy relegation...
Leicester are out of danger now with that point against Sunderland but the home team will have to win one more point in the last round or to count that Newcastle and Hull not going to win their games in the last day of the season. Sunderland looks pretty much save now but you never now till the last game in the crazy relegation battle in England.
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seculla 8 years ago
This match is direct fight for staying out from relegation zone for both teams, and maybe the most important for both teams this season. Leicester are currently three points ahead of Hull, which are the first team in relegation zone, and Sunderland have two points more from Hull, but also a one game more to play. It will...
This match is direct fight for staying out from relegation zone for both teams, and maybe the most important for both teams this season. Leicester are currently three points ahead of Hull, which are the first team in relegation zone, and Sunderland have two points more from Hull, but also a one game more to play. It will be tough match, and I think that both teams won't want to loose and they will be more careful not to receive a goal, than they will be trying to score. But we will see, I think that Sunderland could win this.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
This is match that could tell us lots of things. If Leicester win, they are safe and next year will play in Premier League. On the other side, if Sunderland win, they are 99% in safe zone. Both teams play good in last few games and I expect good game. I think that Leicester is better team and they will win 2-1 in this game....
This is match that could tell us lots of things. If Leicester win, they are safe and next year will play in Premier League. On the other side, if Sunderland win, they are 99% in safe zone. Both teams play good in last few games and I expect good game. I think that Leicester is better team and they will win 2-1 in this game.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
This clash is very tight.It is interesting because if one teams wins,it is big win.Wining this match means no relegation for that team.Leicester is in fantastic form,but it wont be easy tomorrow.They must be aware of Defoe.He is dangerous player,with a lot of experience.I predict a draw 0-0,or 1-1.
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