Keeping it tight at Stadium of Light

Roy Keane proved last season that being a rookie needn't stop success as he steered the good ship Sunderland back into Premiership waters following their top-of-the-table war of attrition with Birmingham in last season's Championship, a race which they won to gain promotion as champions. Now 'Keano' and The Black Cats embark on a new campaign in the top flight with a stiff examination in the offing as Tottenham, a club of which big things are expected this term, travel to the Stadium Of Light for a 12.45pm kick-off. Spurs are clear favourites, but not as short a price as some may have anticipated at around the 5/4 mark. It's only right that Sunderland are attributed respect at their northeast lair where they lost just one of their final 15 league games during 2006/07. And Keane has been playing a very good hand in the transfer market, luring top-class keeper Craig Gordon from Hearts, while bagging talent such as full back Greg Halford, midfielder Kieran Richardson and striker Michael Chopra. Martin Jol dipped into Spurs' kitty on a few occasions too, most notably when prizing Darren Bent from Charlton in a club-record £16.5m deal. The 23-year-old will augment an already impressive strikeforce consisting of Dimitar Berbatov, who remained at White Hart Lane despite overtures from several big clubs, the irrespressible Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe. The only real concern where Spurs are concerned is whether they will be quick off the blocks this season, which certainly wasn't the case last term. If they do start brightly, then they'll have too much class for Sunderland, of that there is no doubt. Conversely, if they falter, even slightly, the home side could nick something from a game in which they will be eager to impress. If this fixture were later in the season, I'd feel confident that there would be net-bulging galore. However, all things considered, the wise option for punters in this match is to opt for the 9/4 about 0 or 1 in the total goals market with Sporting Odds. Both teams will be hungry, but both will surely be a shade cautious, an approach which punters are advised to also take. Verdict: 2pts 0 or 1 in the total goals market @ 15/8 (Sporting Odds) SportingOdds are offering all new customers £100 worth of free bets. Click here and open an account today. SportingOdds is interactive, instant, bringing you the fun and excitement of a revolutionary way of betting. SportingOdds aim to provide you with an unrivalled in running service, coupled with a comprehensive range of betting opportunities. With a blend of best prices, mass in-play coverage and various customer incentives, SportingOdds is a favourite with punters from Dundee to Dover.