A contentious penalty scored by Roberto Soldado condemned Hull to a defeat at White Hart Lane, and they welcome a Sunderland team buoyed by their victory over arch-rivals Newcastle.
– Steve Bruce was incensed by Michael Oliver’s decision to award Tottenham a penalty, particularly as his team had defended so resolutely for the vast majority of the game. Steve Harper has a right to feel particularly aggrieved by the result, as he made 5 saves against Tottenham – the second most in the league.
– The Irish FA have been making enquiries into the eligibility of defender Curtis Davies, following a series of outstanding displays this term, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights why they are so desperate to add him to their ranks. The Hull man has made 146 defensive contributions this season (based on clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles) which is more than any other player in the league.
– Ahmed Elmohamady is a new arrival at the KC Stadium, arriving on a permanent deal this Summer. Although usually renowned for his attacking prowess, the winger has showcased excellent defensive awareness this term as he has completed 20 interceptons – more than any other Hull player. Elmohamady is 18/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time on Saturday.
– Stephen Quinn has been used sporadically by Steve Bruce this term, only featuring in 192 minutes of the campaign thus far. However, in this time, he has demonstrated his eye for a pass as he has completed a pass in the opposition half every 4.6 minutes.
– Fabio Borini’s fine strike guided the Black Cats to victory over arch-rivals Newcastle on Sunday.
– One of the first moves Gus Poyet made when taking the reins at Sunderland was to bring defender Phil Bardsley back into the fold, and the former Mancheser United man rewarded him with a terrific performance against the Magpies. Bardsley completed 8 challenges against Newcastle – the third most in the league.
– Another player who Gus Poyet will be looking to revitalise is winger Adam Johnson. The silky winger has only shown glimpses of his best form since arriving at Sunderland, and Mackems will be hoping that Gus Poyet can weave his magic again. Johnson has, however, managed to swing in more crosses than any other Sunderland player this season, crossing the balls 11 times. Johnson is an industry best 5/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time on Saturday.
– John O’Shea’s experience could be vital for Sunderland as they look to move away from the relegation zone. The former Manchester United man is the eldest player in the Sunderland squad, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that he has used all of this experience to ensure that he is in the right position at the right time. O’Shea has cleared the ball 52 times this season – more than any other player in the Sunderland ranks.
– In his short time in charge, Gus Poyet has appeared keen to pick more of the British players who are on the Sunderland books, with players such as Lee Cattermole, and Phil Bardsley coming back into the fold. One player who has remained constant throughout both Di Canio’s and Poyet’s tenures has been midfielder Jack Colback, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights why both managers have been so keen to pick the Sunderland academy ace. Colback has made 15 interceptions so far this term, which is more than any other Sunderland player.