Opta Big Match Stats: Fletcher to strike Swansea early

 

With Opta's help, Christian Crowther previews Tuesday's televised Premier League clash between Sunderland and Swansea...

 

Sunderland v Swansea, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2

 

If matches ended at half-time this season, Sunderland would be fourth in the Premier League table, while if only the second half counted, Swansea would be fifth

Sunderland have finally showed up to the party in their last two league games, scoring six times on the way to as many points, and the Black Cats should feel well rested after a week-and-a-half off. Visitors Swansea give nothing away easily however, highlighted by their latest run of six games unbeaten in the top flight, four of which were drawn. Under Michael Laudrup, Swansea's style is underpinned by substance, testified by their resilience against top five sides such as Manchester United and Everton in recent draws. Sunderland's best chance of achieving victory may well come by scoring early against this stubborn Swansea side, who never give up.

Recommended Bet: Back Sunderland to be leading at half-time and draw at full-time @ 16.0

 

Steven Fletcher has scored the first goal of the game more often than any other Premier League player this season (6)

As they did against West Ham in their last home victory, Martin O'Neill will be expecting his team to come flying out of the traps. And if there's one man in the Sunderland line up who can get the hosts off to that perfect start, it's their top scorer Steven Fletcher. After an unusual five-game goal hiatus, the Scottish scoring wizard jumped back in the saddle with panache against Wigan, notching a match-winning brace at the DW Stadium to take his league tally for the season to ten. Fletcher has fond memories of scoring against the Swans too, grabbing another brace on his league debut for the Black Cats in the reverse fixture back in September.

Recommended Bet: Back Steven Fletcher to score first @ 6.3

 

Michu has scored just one goal in his last eight hours and 31 minutes of Premier League football (511 mins). Before this run, he had averaged a goal every 115 mins

Swansea fans, their players and the manager received the best possible news last week when it was revealed their Spanish scoring sensation would be extending his stay in Wales. After notching freely in his debut season in what is reputedly the toughest league in the world, it was no surprise to see his name linked with a big move away from the Liberty Stadium. However, Michu has shown class off the field as well as on it by repaying the faith of his manager. Coming into this clash at the Stadium of Light, Michu has undergone a relative drought by his immaculately high standards. However, he is yet to go more than four appearances without bagging this season so he should be due one here.

Recommended Bet: Back Michu to score at @ 3.4

 

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