Bookies reckon Sam is the man; BEAT THE BOOKIE William HILL.

Byline: NEIL HARNETT

FORMER Sunderland player Sam Allardyce is the firm favourite with all of the bookies to take over from Roy Keane at the Stadium of Light.

The early odds saw Allardyce initially priced up big as 4-1 with Paddy Power while Bet365 installed Phil Brown, his former assistant at Bolton, as their favourite.

However, the punters have piled in to Allardyce since then and he is now best price 6-4, still with Power who obviously do not fancy the ex-Newcastle boss to be the next man in the hotseat on Wearside.

As for this afternoon's action, and Middlesbrough will be keen to extend their run of winning at least a point in each of their last four away games. They make the trip down the east coast to take on Hull, who will be intent on improving their slim return of only two wins in seven home games. Gareth Southgate's side have a habit of starting well away from the Riverside and this is where the value lies this afternoon.

In the last year the Teessiders have scored first in 13 of their 19 away games - only Manchester United and Chelsea have done so more often in that time. Hull have gone a goal down in four of their seven at the KC Stadium this season as well as four of their last six overall, so the 6-5 for the visitors to grab the first goal is a tempting proposition.

Each week I place a pounds 25 charity wager on an aspect of a Premier League game involving either Newcastle or Sunderland - the choice dependent on who is playing at home. At the season's end, any proceeds will be divided equally between two worthy causes - the Puffin Appeal which is aimed at raising pounds 2m to fund a respiratory department at Newcastle's Royal Infirmary, and the Tyne and Wear Autistic Society.

This week the focus is on St James's Park and the game between Newcastle and Stoke this afternoon.

The Magpies have been involved in successive goalless draws but I think that run will end today. Joe Kinnear has seen his side score in every home game he has taken charge of and I am sure there will be plenty of interest in the hosts at the 5-6 best price available.

However, the stats point to a few goals being scored today so that's the focus of my punt. Five of the seven games at St.

James' this season have ended with at least three goals, as have eight of their 11 when hosting promoted sides over the past four seasons. Five of Stoke's away games this season have also had three or more goals (the other two were goalless).

All ended in defeat for the Potters.

Over two goals is quoted at 10-11 with William Hill and that's my selection.

BEST BETS THIS WEEKEND

Middlesbrough to score first against Hull at 6-5 (Boylesports) Newcastle-Stoke - Over two goals to be scored at 10-11 (William Hill)