Sunderland went into the international break on a high as EFL Championship leaders but face a tricky game on to their return to action with a trip to Hull City.
It looked like the Black Cats would be toppled from the summit when they trailed Leeds United 2-1 deep into stoppage time but keeper Illan Meslier gifted them an equaliser on a night when two bets landed for me.
That almost lifted the roof off the Stadium of Light and the point kept them above Sheffield United on goal difference, continuing their fine start under new boss Regis Le Bris.
The Frenchman has fans believing a top-flight return might be on the cards but Sunderland need to keep racking up points and it won't be easy on the road at Hull.
The Tigers have been a model of inconsistency so far, with their nine games in the Championship producing three wins, three defeats and three draws. That has left them sitting in mid-table but they remain within striking distance of the play-offs.
New German gaffer Tim Walter has made a decent start and if his side can topple the leaders it will be a big boost to their confidence.
How the bookies view it: Leaders to stay on a roll
With Sunderland topping the pile, Betano make them favourites for this one at 13/10. Hull City are 7/4 shots and the draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: Draw specialists
This fixture has produced heaps of draws in recent years, with six of the last nine meetings ending level. Last season bucked the trend though, with Sunderland winning 1-0 in Hull then the Tigers getting their revenge by the same scoreline at the Stadium of Light.
Players to watch: Bedia back for more
Chris Bedia found a bit of form for Hull City before the break, netting two times in three games. The forward is 2/1 at Betano to keep his run going with a strike here.
Patrick Roberts is a creative spark for Sunderland and will be key to breaking down Hull's defence. He's 27/10 at Betano for anytime scorer but an assist looks better value at 4/1 with Bet365.
Probable line-ups
Thimothee Lo-Tutala, Andy Smith, Ryan Longman and Harvey Cartwright look set to miss out again for Hull City. Sunderland are sweating on the fitness of Eliezer Mayenda, Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi while Ian Poveda, Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Jenson Seelt remain out.
Anything else catch the eye?
Hull lost heavily at Norwich in their last outing but they had won three in a row before that so I'm expecting a close game. The half-time draw looks good at 6/5 with Befred while McBookie price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 13/10.
The Tigers have picked up at least three cards in their each of their last three games while Sunderland have collected just six in total from the same run of matches. That makes me think the 2/1 available at Bet365 for Hull to get most cards looks good value.
Jobe Bellingham has impressed me in Sunderland's midfield and the brother of England star Jude is 11/8 at Bet365 to have a shot on target here.
This England Championship match between Hull City and Sunderland will be played on Oct 20, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Hull City vs Sunderland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
