Sunderland v Burnley Betting Tips: Moyes’ men can continue to go well at home

This FA Cup tie is a match-up between two of the favourites for top-tier relegation as Sunderland host Burnley. Whilst the competition will provide some respite from the league, both sides could do with a win – a win that would surely serve as a big confidence booster.

A couple of matches ago it looked like Sunderland may have been about to dispense with the services of manager David Moyes, however, after some decent results at home, including a well-earned draw against Liverpool means they are now only one point from safety with a bit of momentum in their favour.

The Black Cats of course don’t score many goals but luckily they have a goalscorer in Jermain Defoe who is essentially priceless for the North East side. Sunderland’s record of 37 conceded in 20 games is obviously not healthy but it is in fact better than the two sides below them and equal to Crystal Palace who sit just one place above them.

The Stadium of Light has certainly been more welcoming for Moyes’ men in recent weeks with just one loss in their last five home matches – conceding just four goals. Additionally, they have been good on home turf in the FA Cup in recent seasons having not lost a home cup tie since January 2013.

Every time Burnley play in the top flight, people seem to put them down, largely discounting them. However, Sean Dyche’s men are rarely outfought and it is this toughness which allows them to pick up results. The Clarets were unfortunate to lose away at Manchester City last time out having won their previous two. This recent good form sees them sitting in a lofty 12th place.

As with Sunderland, goals are not Burnley’s forte but they do have dangerous options up front in the form of Andre Gray and Sam Vokes. As alluded to earlier, Dyche’s side are very solid and defensively they have done pretty well this campaign having conceded just 31 goals.

Unfortunately going into this match, The Clarets are pretty dire on the road and are yet to record an away win in the league, taking just one point from a possible 27 – the worst record in the league.

Furthermore, this record does not change in the FA Cup with Burnley having won just two away matches in the competition since 2005, whilst they have lost seven of their last eight FA Cup ties on the road.

With this in mind, it is really hard to see anything other than a Sunderland win. The hosts come here with more momentum behind them and are fancied to continue their decent home form by making it through to the next round. 

See more tips here.