FA Cup / Frank Gregan / 07 January 2012 /

Martin O'Neill has already worked his magic at Sunderland, revitalising a dejected bunch of players, and that good form can continue in this FA Cup fixture, says Frank Gregan

Match Odds: Peterborough [4.0] v Sunderland [2.04], The Draw [3.7]; Kick Off 15:30; Live on ITV1
When the draw was made this looked a tricky tie for the Premier League outfit but having had a better Christmas than the Beckham kids, Martin O'Neill's men will be eager to take the pitch and keep their run going.

Defensively, O'Neill will have to do without the services of the injured Titus Bramble, Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown. Also missing out are Jack Colbeck, Connor Wickham and Sebastian Larsson stretching the Black Cat's resources.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson will have to do without Lee Frecklington (groin) but has been boosted by the news that his three loanees, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Josh Thompson and Scott Wootton have all been given permission to play by their parent clubs.

Match Odds
If this is a banana skin for Sunderland the appointment of Martin O'Neill has ensured that his players will take the field with non-slip boots and bucket loads of confidence. Peterborough are enjoying a decent run in the Championship, unbeaten in their last five matches and that is reflected in the match odds market where the Posh are [4.0] with Sunderland a very generous and tempting [2.04] with the draw at [3.7].

A lot will depend on the line up that O'Neill elects to choose. Historically, the Irishman has proved at Leicester City and Aston Villa that he loves a cup run and seems unlikely to pick an experimental side. He has enjoyed a fantastic start at Sunderland which has earned him the Barclay's Manager of the Month for December and he would love nothing more than to give the long suffering Sunderland fans a cup run of note.

According to Opta, Peterborough look unlikely to cause an upset, they have played 26 FA Cup matches against top-flight opponents and have only managed to win one.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Under 2.5 goals can be backed at [2.3] which is surprising given that Peterborough's last five matches have all ended in 'unders.' Sunderland have found the scoring touch on the road since O'Neills arrival, they drew a blank at Spurs but scored three at QPR and four in midweek at Wigan.

'Overs' at [1.7] is my fancy, but only just, and at that price, I'll be looking at other markets in which to invest.

Sunderland To Keep a Clean Sheet
This is the reason I've elected not to back over 2.5 goals at such a short price because I think Sunderland might have to score them all on their own. The work ethic that O'Neill's men displayed against Manchester City last week was phenomenal, one of the best 'backs to the wall' displays the Premier League has seen for a long time. The motivation to continue to impress the new boss should ensure that their standards don't slip and the [3.45] available on their defence standing firm looks to be very good value.

Correct Score
It's always good to have a small stake-big win bet in the portfolio during a game like this and I like the look of 3-0 to the away side. Odds of around [26.0] should be attainable.

Recommended Bets
Best Bet: Back Sunderland to win at [2.04]
Other Recommendation: Sunderland to keep a clean sheet at [3.45].

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