15th Aug 2013 | Football
Sunderland 2013-14 Preview
The Black Cats have arguably the most headline-grabbing manager in the country but they would love to finish in a boring mid-table spot.
To finish top 10: 10/3 (StanJames)
Last season: 17th
Reasons for hope:
Di Canio made an instant impact, and immediately earned hero status, by defeating local rivals Newcastle 3-0 on their own patch in only his second match in charge. Six days later Champions League chasing Everton were overcome at the Stadium of Light. Now the former Swindon boss has been backed by his board to the tune of 10 new signings.
Potential bet: Top north-east club - Sunderland: 7/4 (Skybet)
Reasons to worry:
The Italian’s impact failed to bring any wins from the final four games of 2012-13 and a slip into the Championship was only narrowly avoided in the end. It remains to be seen whether top flight players will really respond well to Di Canio’s hardline methods in the long term. He has bought big in terms of numbers, but there is virtually no English Premier League experience coming through the door.
Potential bet: Sunderland to be relegated: 5/1 (StanJames)
Verdict: Will be one of the fascinating stories of the season no matter what. I suspect there will be a relegation fight, tantrums and hysterical reactions to everything.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 22:19 15th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
