Spurs in Sunderland showdown as both target Premier League points

Maurcio Pochettino will take Tottenham to the Stadium of Light with plenty of confidence, as Spurs have not been toppled by Sunderland in the Premier League for over five years – a dominant record which could be set to continue.

The top flight table doesn’t make pleasant viewing for Dick Advocaat’s Black Cats, an all far too familiar sight of struggling at the bottom, but the Dutchman is pleased with his recently strengthened squad and they are 7/2 with Coral to earn their first win of the season.

“We now have a squad who can compete with each other and everyone shows during the games that they want to play. That is the advantage compared to last season,” said Advocaat.

Sunderland’s under-pressure boss brought Fabio Borini back to the club, while fellow forward Ola Toivonen and full back DeAndre Yedlin also arrived, though the latter is ineligible for the latest clash against his parent club during a current season-long loan spell.

“The players we brought in all have certain qualities and that is all important that everyone understands what they have to do,” continued the Black Cats coach. “He [Borini] is a player that the fans like. He is a hard working player. It is the same with [Danny] Graham when he is in the team, when he works hard the crowd get behind him.

“Now it starts and we have a few weeks and we can find out what is the right set up of the team. Spurs are a very good side with some very good individuals. They only have two points, not enough for them, same for us. If we let them play we have no chance.”

Spurs could potentially hand debuts to international attacking pair Son Heung-Min and Clinton N’Jie on their visit to Wearside, after the former player’s international clearance was granted following a switch from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

A lot is expected of the South Korea forward and he is 5/1 to mark his debut with the opening goal, as he prepares to help a domestically stuttering Harry Kane recapture his form of old.

The England frontman recently dispatched in another outing off the bench for his country against Switzerland, and is 5/1 to bag a brace or more this time out, having only managed an own-goal during two Sunderland meetings last term.

Deadly Dane Christian Eriksen was on target in both encounters last season and the menacing midfielder is 15/8 to strike again anytime in his latest outing. Pochettino must decide if he is fit enough to be involved after a knee problem.

Sunderland’s key threat could be that of Sebastian Larsson, who also got on the scoresheet last campaign at White Hart Lane, and the Swedish set-piece specialist is 5/1 to net anytime.

The hosts will hope to end a hapless record against Tottenham on home soil, with their previous win coming in 2010, while Spurs are aiming to also collect their maiden victory after three draws and a defeat.

Coral’s top tip: Son Heung-Min scores first on his Spurs debut @ 5/1