Sunderland vs Hull tips and predictions: Back Black Cats to strike early in thriller

Sunderland and Hull clash in the Championship on Friday night with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats in league and cup action. 

The Black Cats were humbled 3-0 by rivals Newcastle before losing a 1-0 lead away to second-place Ipswich last time out.

Liam Rosenior’s side crashed out of the FA Cup in a replay at Birmingham on Tuesday so it’s worth noting they’ve had a busier week and less rest than their hosts.

The Tigers are winless in four across all competitions and they’ve lost four of five on their travels, so they’ll be motivated to get back to winning ways.

It’s been just over three weeks since Jack Clarke scored the only goal of the game at the KCOM Stadium to condemn City to their fourth and final home defeat of 2022.

The extra rest is bound to benefit Michael Beale’s side at the busiest time of the year so we’re expecting a fast start from the hosts, who could catch their visitors cold.

Hull have conceded six first-half goals in their last six away matches, six of which were the opening goal and five of which came inside 25 minutes.

Fast starts have been a common theme in Sunderland’s wins this campaign. They’ve scored 16 first-half goals in their 12 wins this season.

Furthermore, they’ve opened the scoring inside 25 minutes in five of their eight home wins and have led at the break in four of those.

An early goal should also help maintain the trend of goals. There have been over 2.5 goals in nine of Sunderland’s 13 home games and 10 of Hull’s 13 away games.

Planet Sport Bet offer: Sunderland vs Hull City: If there is a 1st half goal bet £20, get a £5 free bet

Suggested bets

Over 2.5 goals, both teams to score and over 8.5 corners (3/1)

Time of first goal: Under 30 minutes

Sunderland to lead at half-time

*Odds correct at the time of writing