Bluebirds On Song

After remarkably claiming four points from trips to the Etihad and Stamford Bridge, I think most people will assume that Sunderland will win this crunch game down the bottom. But the fact they are odds-on with every bookie (17/20 Ladbrokes) is distinctly off-putting.

This is a team who have struggled against other strugglers like no other. The Black Cats have taken only eight points from 15 outings against teams currently in the lower half of the table - that’s 10 fewer than anyone else. They have only even scored once in six home fixtures against bottom-half sides.

It may just be that it’s easier playing away from home in these crucial games. Sunderland’s recent revival has come on the road, whereas they haven’t won at the Stadium of Light in the league since January. Similarly, Cardiff won their last away match at Southampton having laboured a week earlier at home to Palace.

Peter Whittingham has recently returned to add impetus to the Bluebirds and Craig Bellamy should also be back to play a part on Sunday with all the experience he brings. At best odds of 18/5 (Bet365), a Cardiff win is the value selection here.