Gianfranco Zola’s winless streak will stretch to eight games against Sunderland

Sunderland/West Ham, 4pm, Sky Sports 1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Here are five reasons why West Ham are unlikely to pick up a much-needed win over Sunderland today:

1. West Ham have won just one of their seven Premier League away ties against Sunderland.

2. And away wins are very uncommon in these clashes, with just two of their Sunderland and West Ham’s previous fourteen Premier League clashes ended in victory for the visitors.

3. West Ham are on a run of seven league games without a win and have only won two away games in 2008 - both at Fulham!

4. Zola lost three of his four Premier League away games at Sunderland while playing for Chelsea, although on the plus side he won his last visit in 2003, with him and West Ham player Carlton Cole grabbing the goals!

5. West Ham haven’t won a televised game in 2008 and have lost all three matches this season that have been broadcast - against Manchester City, Bolton and Arsenal. Their last win in front of the cameras came against Blackburn last year.

A glimmer of hope for Gianfranco Zola’s camera-shy side…

Only once since December 2001 have Sunderland won consecutive Premier League matches, when they went on a run of three straight wins at the end of last season. The Black Cats won their last match.

Posted: November 23rd, 2008 by Michael Lintorn |