EPL Preview: Sunderland Continue the Search for the Elusive Win at Eastlands

Fulham vs. Blackpool

With the climax of the season fast approaching, Blackpool seriously need to get some points on the board in order to avoid relegation. They will be working towards exactly that when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage, with the London side looking to get into the top half of the table after a long time.

Blackpool have not been really getting the points that their play should deserve, and they will be looking to take advantage of the recent misfortunes that have been plaguing Mark Hughes and his men.

Even though his side looked like they turned the corner a few weeks ago, they seem to have fallen under the bad run of form again, with just one victory in their last five. Notwithstanding this, they have the possibility to overtake both Stoke and Newcastle if results go their way this weekend.

The suspension to DJ Campbell is really affecting Blackpool at the moment, and he will not be available for the match against Fulham as well. Steve Sidwell is expected to return to the side after missing the last three matches for Fulham. Other than that, both sides do not have any great news on the injury front.

Man City vs. Sunderland

Sunderland will be travelling to the Eastlands, hoping to take advantage of the problems that are present within Man City's camp. It has all been caused by one player, Mario Balotelli, and it is in danger of putting the brakes on their season, which is at a crucial stage.

With just a little more than a half-dozen games remaining, Man City do have the chance to finish in the top four, but the behaviour of Balotelli is causing so much trouble within the camp that Tottenham could take advantage of it in the final stage just as they did last season.

Roberto Mancini will be hoping to avoid this, and it could see the suspension of Balotelli from the first team. This was heavily expected before the Chelsea match, but Balotelli ended up being included in the squad.

Sunderland's fortunes didn't show any sign of improving against Liverpool, and Steve Bruce will already be left wondering if his side's fortune will ever change. It could happen this weekend, with Sunderland all set to draft Fraizer Campbell and Michael Turner back into their squad, which is going to be a massive boost for Bruce.

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