Sunderland vs Hull City — Tips & Analysis

Under 2.5: Two Premier League sides meet in a cup tie that both will treat as a squad night, and the goals should dry up with the changes. Sunderland have scored less than a goal a game across their last seven home games. They have won 7, tied 3 and lost 7 of their last 17, and only 7 of those 17 games had 3 or more goals. Hull City arrive unbeaten in five and let in less than a goal a game across their last 14. Their games have averaged almost 2 goals in total. The history says the same thing. The last 19 meetings averaged just over 2 goals, and four of the last five finished 1-0 or 0-1. Team news points that way too. Hull are without Joe Gelhardt, Jack Butland, Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi and Eliot Matazo, and both managers are expected to hand minutes to fringe players. The quality drops, the chances dry up, and a flat 1-1 heading towards penalties is the honest read. A game like that stays low, which is exactly what we want. The risk sits with Sunderland in front of goal. They have been creating more than they have scored in their last three games, so a better night from them opens this up. We still want the quiet game.