Tottenham at Sunderland: 8 Bold Predictions When Spurs Visit Stadium of Light

Just when Tottenham thought they could put an easy tally in the win column, Sunderland goes and draws with Manchester City.

A closer look reveals that the Black Cats dominated the Blues, scratching their way to a 3-1 lead and holding it until the waning minutes when City's Mario Balotelli and Aleksander Kolarov scored in the 85th and 86th minute, respectively, and salvaged a point for the home crowd.

Both clubs are a far cry from when they first met on December 18 this season. The only player to score that day—Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko—is now gone from England's Premier League and plays for Russia's Premier League.

Tottenham dominated the first meeting with 60 percent of possession and 19 shots at Sunderland goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, but Spurs are a club that has been declining as of late, whereas Sunderland is hot and cold, building two-goal leads on Manchester City one week and losing two-goal matches to Blackburn another.

It's going to be a wild match this weekend as Tottenham travels to Sunderland, but I'm here to try and nail down the boldest predictions this side of Tyne and Wear.

Rafael Van Der Vaart Will Start on the Bench...Again

The Dutch superstar hasn't quite lived up to his billing in a Tottenham uniform.

One of the most highly rated players out of The Netherlands—Rafael Van der Vaart has only scored eight goals so far this season, hampered by injury and a drop in form.

I know, I know, we're starting off the bold predictions article a little soft, but Van der Vaart's absence from the pitch sets the stage for another midfielder to have an amazingly successful day.

Aaron Lennon Will Start

I can't say it enough—Aaron Lennon is a gift from the midfield gods.

He's an incredibly quick player who has some big shoes to fill if Gareth Bale leaves for Barcelona (or one of the other hundred European clubs the Welsh winger has been linked to).

Lennon showed last weekend against Swansea City that he's got what it takes to be Tottenham's go-to man for taking set pieces and that might play a huge factor as Sunderland gave up six corner kicks in their first meeting.

In fact, Sunderland has given up 31 corners in their last four matches—an average of nearly eight a game!

Redknapp knows that Sandro isn't the answer in the midfield and will give Lennon his first league start since March 4 against Manchester United.

...and Score the Opening Goal

Okay, so starting Aaron Lennon isn't the boldest of predictions, right?

Well, him scoring the opening goal of the match sure is—especially on the road.

Sunderland's defensive back line has taken a beating recently, giving up nine goals in the last four matches. Lennon's quickness will make him a great attacking partner with Adebayor and give the young midfielder his first goal since January 11 against Everton.

...and Assist on Another!

It's going to be a career day for the 24-year-old Lennon, who will thrive in Van der Vaart's absence.

He'll be fueled by a leap in confidence after contributing heavily to Tottenham's victory last weekend against Swansea City and will be invigorated by his goal to open the match.

With Van der Vaart out, Redknapp will lean on Lennon to kick on set pieces and corners—of which there will be a lot!

Luka Modric Will End Scoring Drought by Halftime

Luka Modric is so incredibly talented it's not even funny.

But to most casual football fans outside of north London, the 26-year-old's stat sheet of three goals and four assists looks flimsy.

My prediction is that the Croatian will add to his season's tally and score his fourth goal of the season at Sunderland on Saturday.

Modric's value has never been in his ability to score, but rather as a field general who will lead his troops to score. But every once in a while the fearless leader likes to draw blood. What better place than the Stadium of Light?

Emmanuel Adebayor Will Score a Header in the Last 10 Minutes

Emmanuel Adebayor is the consummate African footballer—he's big, he's tall, he's powerful and he likes to get in the air and use his frame to his advantage.

Swansea City got an up close and personal look at just how well the Togolese international could use his 6'3" body, scoring two headers in the waning minutes to seal Spurs' 3-1 victory.

Sunderland will be the next victim of Adebayor's brilliant ability to get in the air and accurately head the ball in the back of the net.

Brad Friedel Will Earn His 12th Clean Sheet

Hey, Brad Friedel, can you tell me where the Fountain of Youth is?

The seemingly ageless 41-year-old Friedel has collected 11 clean sheets this season. He was on his way to winning this season's Golden Glove...

That is, until Tottenham couldn't hold on to blank such "fierce" opponents such as Stoke City, Everton and Wolverhampton.

No matter, Friedel won't be this season's best goalkeeper, but he'll add to his handful of clean sheets against Sunderland.

Tottenham Will Win 3-0

Will Tottenham get something out of Saturday's match against Sunderland? Absolutely.

That's the least of my bold predictions.

Will it be three points? Again, absolutely—this time, only a pinch bolder.

Will they win a match by three goals for the first time since a December 3 meeting with Bolton? That's my bold prediction.

These are what I think will happen when Tottenham travels to Sunderland. Thanks for reading and let me know yours!