Premier League preview: Stoke v Sunderland

The Britannia Stadium was a happy hunting ground for Sunderland last season – and Martin O’Neill will want that to continue on Saturday.

A goal by Republic of Ireland winger James McClean in the 60th minute was the difference between Sunderland and Stoke, who are both on eight points and in similar positions in the English Premier League as when they clashed in February.

But Tony Pulis’ men will be hoping to reverse the result as well as maintain their impressive, unbeaten home form.

Stoke have only conceded one goal at home this season and although they have only played three times at the Britannia, it is still an impressive statistic, particularly against a team such as Sunderland who are not creating a lot.

Pulis, still reeling from the 4-2 hammering at Old Trafford, was furious that Manchester United’s goals all came from crosses.

“We knew it was going to be difficult, but to concede four goals from four crosses was disappointing and hard to take,” Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam said.

Stoke have had a tough start to the season, playing last season’s top four in their first eight league games.

“It’s games against the likes of Sunderland that are going to influence where we finish,” Adam said.

O’Neill is expected to welcome back key defender Lee Cattermole from his three-match suspension.

Phil Bardsley is also certain to return after making the bench in the 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Newcastle on Sunday.

But one major concern for O’Neill will be the service, or lack of it, to striker Steven Fletcher.

This has been reflected in the fact that no team has had fewer shots on target this season in Europe’s top five divisions than Sunderland.

Indeed, the own goal by Demba Ba that earned Sunderland a point on Sunday also revealed another statistic.

The Senegal striker is Sunderland’s second top goalscorer in the league so far this season.