Hull proved just how useless they are on Wednesday evening when beaten by Aston Villa and are tipped to struggle again versus Sunderland at the KC Stadium.
I was against Hull last weekend when they travelled to Birmingham City but Iain Dowie’s strugglers held on grimly for a point in a dour contest. It could be more of the same this time around versus a Sunderland team with nothing to play for but a lay of the hosts looks the way to go at a little over even money.
Every season towards the end of a campaign teams in need of the points are priced up shorter than their true chance reflects and once again I think we can take advantage. Hull were outclassed by Martin O’Neill’s side in midweek and, despite possessing a better than average home record, Sunderland are a cut above the Tigers.
Sunderland’s season has been somewhat of a disappointment following a bright start, they struggled badly around the turn of the year, but Steve Bruce’s men have finished the season with a flourish and were comfortable 2-1 victors over Burnley last time out.
There is little doubt that the Black Cats are a significantly more potent force on home soil at the Stadium of Light, they’ve picked up just seven points on their travels, but the performance is often better than the result and in Darren Bent Sunderland posses a striker of real quality.
Bent has bagged 23 goals already this season in the top flight, no mean achievement for a player in a mid-table side, and having witnessed Hull’s ineptness in defence this season he could enjoy another productive afternoon.
Hull were shambolic at the back in their 4-1 defeat to Burnley a fortnight ago and, with just one victory in their past 10 matches, are easily opposed at the prices.
Dowie’s men face an uphill battle for survival and failure to pick three points on Saturday could well be the final nail in the coffin. Championship football next season beckons for Hull and a victory for the away team would not surprise.
2pts Lay Hull (vs. Sunderland) @ 2.40 (Betfair)