Follow every kick as Sunderland take on Burnley at Stadium of Light in the Premier League
on 17-Apr-2010, kick off time 15:00
Sunderland v Burnley Live
Burnley will look to press on from their shock 4-1 victory against fellow relegation threatened side Hull City last weekend and secure back to back Premier League wins for only the second time and the first time since August. After winning just one point from their opening 16 games on the road this season, the Clarets' win over Hull was the first time that they have secured all three points available on the road this season. Their home form has been better, with one of their vital victories at Turf Moor this term coming against Sunderland in their earlier meeting this season (3-1). Sunderland have been hard to beat recently, suffering just two defeats in their last eight Premier League matches, and the Black Cats have lost only once in their last 16 league games at the Stadium of Light; displaying the importance of their form at home this season. Steve Bruce will hope that his side can capitalise on the fact that Burnley are yet to keep an away clean sheet in the league this season, especially as his own side have not conceded more than once in a league match at the Stadium of Light in 2010. Bruce will look to top scorer Darren Bent to provide the ammunition in attack once again. The former Tottenham striker found the net in their meeting with Burnley earlier this season, and has scored 22 overall this season; accounting for half of Sunderland's 44 Premier League goals. Burnley defender Michael Duff is hopeful of avoiding relegation, saying that Burnley "just need to keep turning in performances, and, ultimately, picking up wins." He added: "We're at the stage of the season where we need results, it doesn't matter where we win now though, we just need points. Hopefully we can get a couple more wins and see where it takes us." The Sunderland quartet of George McCartney, Lorik Cana, John Mensah and Andy Reid are all nearing returns to action, but this game could prove too early for a first-team recall. Meanwhile, Burnley will certainly be missing long-term absentee Chris McCann from their midfield, but may well be buoyed by the return of left-back Stephen Jordan from his knee injury.
Source: DSG
