THE BOOKIES' VIEW.

HERE we are once again, the half way point in the football season, it seems only five minutes ago since both Newcastle and Sunderland were scrapping for survival.

Both are in action today, Sunderland have another tough away day to face Man City while Newcastle have the luxury of playing in front of a full house at St James Park.

Once again the bookies have the Black Cats chances written off pricing them up at a massive 9/1 to win with City a short 2/9, the draw completes the betting at 19/5, with City desperate to get back as serious title contenders this could be a sorry day for SAFC, only a win will do for Pelegrini's men.

William Hill are offering decent odds on a Sunderland win this afternoon, a 1-0 win in favour of the Black Cats pays odds of 18/1 while a 2-0 win to the away team would earn you a massive 66/1. Newcastle who at last look like stringing a decent run together are on a roll, today they entertain Everton . Everton start as slight favourites at odds of 13/10 with United being priced up at odds of 2/1, the draw completes the betting at 9/5. A 1-0 win in favour of the Magpies pays odds of 7/1 whereas a more realistic 1-1 draw pays odds of 9/2, the more adventurous of you may plump for a 2-2 draw at decent odds of 12/1, Newcastle have scoring options available with all front men scoring in recent matches. Even captain Coloccini got in on the act against Aston Villa, the shortest priced Newcastle player to score the first of the match today is the unpredictable Mitrovic who is priced up at 6/1.