Last week’s predictions weren’t shocking but like Spurs performance, they weren’t great either.

Another game where Tottenham start as favourites with the bookies but even shorter than last week because they are at home. Sunderland are the sort of team you would expect Spurs to beat at the Lane but they are dangerous to underestimate and the players they have brought in from us are likely to want to put on a show.

Team News
Sunderland will be without Teemu Tainio who picked up an injury against Liverpool last week. It’s a shame because I think he would have got a decent reception from the home fans. Spurs will still be without long term injury problem Alan Hutton.

Head To Head
Tottenham have won their last eight home games against Sunderland including last season’s corresponding fixture 2-0.

Recent Form
Not much to go on, both teams lost their first game, Spurs 2-1 away to Middlesbrough and Sunderland 1-0 at home to Liverpool. Neither performance was very impressive so both sides will be desperate to pick up some points here.

Conclusion
As with Boro, I don’t expect Sunderland to roll over easily but if Spurs can’t win a game like this at home convincingly then the top 4 is surely just a pipe dream.

In recent seasons, Spurs are generally far too much for teams like Sunderland at the Lane and things should not be any different under Ramos. A big scoreline would not surprise me.

Best Bets
Spurs to win 3-1 @ 14/1 with Centrebet

Spurs to win 3-0 @ 12/1 with Centrebet

Gareth Bale to score at anytime @ 11/2 with Paddy Power

As always, let me know your thoughts, good or bad!