GAVIN Murphy (@GamePlanGavin) eyes up a bookings bet from Saturday's Premier League matches.
Sunderland v Hull | Saturday 15:00
When assessing the weekend fixtures I typically start off by looking at the referee announcement and then who is playing who. I also look at head to head meetings for the major European leagues.
This article falls into that final category because, let's face it, Sunderland v Hull isn't normally a fixture to get the pulse racing!
The Mackems are rock bottom of the Premier League but will be buoyed by their first victory of the season at Bournemouth. Hull, under Mike Phelan's management, are in 18th place but also come into this fixture following a morale boosting win against Southampton.
The past four league matches between these two clubs have seen cards of 10-6-6-6 at an average of seven per game. This term, the hosts are the third most ill disciplined outfit in the top flight averaging 2.55 cards per game. Hull are averaging 1.73 cards per game. That suggests that 4.28 total cards might be expected in this battle.
The perils of Lee Mason
The referee in this one is Lee Mason. Usually a guy I stay away from because he is typically lenient. He averages 3.6 cards per game this season. His Premier League games this season have seen cards of 1-4-3-3-7.
In career games officiating Sunderland he typically gives them 2.19 cards per game and he averages 1.8 to Hull. That suggests that 3.99 cards could be expected in this match.
This is a huge match for both clubs and the FA are perhaps expecting a dogged battle by the appointment of Mason.
Sunderland have had three red cards in the past four head to head meetings in the league. With donkeys on both sides a sending off is very much in the equation this time. I'm very optimistic about this fixture and will be backing over 3.5 cards at 4/5 with Bet365.
Best Bets
Sunderland v Hull – Over 3.5 Cards (4/5 Bet365)
