It was in late October when David Moyes seemed like a likely candidate to be sacked in the Premier League. Sunderland's form since the start of November hasn't been top notch, however they definitely have improved. In late October the Black Cats dropped a 4-1 decision to Arsenal, before putting together a half-decent run that seems to make the club likely to avoid relegation.
Sunderland's recent results recapped
In the month of November, Sunderland beat both Bournemouth and Hull City to grab a much needed six points, right when Moyes seemed to be on the chopping block.
The game against Hull seemed particularly important to win as they have been relegation favorites since the season began. A loss to them, surely would have made the calls for Moyes' sacking all the more pressing.
In the month of December thus far Sunderland have gone 2-2-0 with wins over Leicester City and Watford. A 1-0 loss to Chelsea can be overlooked based on everything that club has done so far. However, a 3-0 loss to Swansea is certainly a match that Moyes would probably like to have back. That said, Sunderland have ascended of late and if 17th-placed Crystal Palace do their part to lose on December 26th against Watford, Sunderland might climb out of relegation with a win over Manchester United.
Sunderland priced long with BetVictor
Sunderland look priced for too long in the "Top 10 finish" market with BetVictor. That firm have the club at 40/1 to finish in the top half, odds that reflect Sunderland's start to the season more than their half-decent recent form. The same sportsbook has Crystal Palace at 6/1 in the same market - a big gap despite just the one point edge in the standings between the two clubs.
Upcoming matches for Sunderland certainly aren't the most difficult in the Premier League. Besides Man U, there's 16th-placed Burnley on December 31st. Liverpool is the tough one in early January, but after that there are a couple prove-it games against middle-of-the-pack clubs in Stoke and West Bromwich.
With 21 matches to go in the season, Sunderland presently find themselves seven points out of 10th spot.
It will clearly take multiple weeks of strong play if they are to continue to fade their weak start. Regardless of whether they are in a strong patch of scheduling or a weak one, they will need to tally points on most outings. However, I do think they will inch up to somewhere between 14th to 16th before the end of January. Best to get something on them now at long odds for the home stretch of the season for a Top-10 finish, with stronger conviction toward avoiding relegation (bet365 at 6/5).
