Premier League: Sunderland v Cardiff match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland have been bottom of the league most of the season, but after their impressive results against Manchester City (draw) and Chelsea (win), they are only three points from getting above the relegation line. Meanwhile, Cardiff can take over Sunderland’s bottom position if they do not manage to get at least one point at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Like Sunderland, Cardiff have experienced better form in the last two rounds of games with a win against Southampton and a draw against Stoke. However, a draw will not be in any of the two sides’ interest on Sunday as three points are vital at this point of the season – especially when fighting to stay in the Premier League.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, midday.

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Cardiff 2 (Mutch, Campbell) Sunderland 2 (Fletcher, Colback), Premier League, December 2013

Cardiff 0 Sunderland 1 (Wallace), Championship, March 2007

Sunderland 1 (Brown) Cardiff 2 (Chopra 2), Championship, October 2010

STATS…

• Cardiff is the only team yet to concede an own goal in the Premier League this season
• Sunderland have conceded more own goals than any other side this season (6)
• Cardiff have conceded more goals on counter-attacks than any other side during the 2013-14 season (8)
• Sunderland have failed to score in five of their last Premier League home matches

ODDS…

Sunderland to win: 1.85

Cardiff to win: 4.0

Draw: 3.6

TV: Live on SkySports1 at 12am, highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm.