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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
SUNDERLAND  MignoletBardsley, Kilgallon, Turner, Bridge Larsson, Cattermole, Gardner, McClean Sessegnon Bendtner | TOTTENHAM  FriedelWalker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto Lennon, Parker, Modric, BaleVan der Vaart Adebayor |
Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell (knee) is expected to have a late fitness test after picking up a knock, whilst defenders John O'Shea (calf), Wes Brown (knee) and Titus Bramble (Achilles tendon) look set to miss out.
Matt Kilgallon looks set to retain his place alongside Michael Turner in the heart of Sunderland's defence after making his first start since January last week, putting in an impressive performance against Manchester City before being substituted with cramp.
Tottenham look set to start with the same team that broke their five-game winless duck last week against Swansea.
They have long-term absentees Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson (both ankle) unavailable still, whilst the fixture looks set to come too early for goalkeeper, Heurelho Gomes (knee) to come back into contention, so Brad Friedel looks set to make his 296th consecutive appearance.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Sunderland have won six, drawn one and lost one at home under Martin O'Neill's stewardship.
- Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner (pictured right) has four in his last five games for Sunderland and the on-loan Arsenal striker will look to dent Spurs' Champions League hopes.
- Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is the only player this season to be booked twice for simulation.
- Spurs have won none of their last six away games, drawing three and losing three.
- Veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel is in line to make his 296th consecutive Premier League appearance.
Having been two goals to the good against Manchester City last week with five minutes remaining before leaving the Etihad Stadium with just a point, Martin O'Neill's men will be hurting. With Bendtner in great form he'll look to help his parent club out in the race for third.
Spurs got back to winning ways last week but they're recent away form and their record on Wearside is not good and they could struggle again as they splutter towards a Champions League place.
Spurs got back to winning ways last week but they're recent away form and their record on Wearside is not good and they could struggle again as they splutter towards a Champions League place.
Editor's Prediction
Sunderland 2-1 Tottenham 
