Papy Djilobodji has called for positivity and togetherness ahead of Wednesday’s Stadium of Light showdown with Chelsea (KO 7.45pm).
Last season the Black Cats produced an enthralling comeback to defeat the Blues on home soil, but this time around the Londoners pose a very different test.
Three points clear at the top, the Premier League leaders have won nine consecutive league games with their last loss coming way back in September.
And although Djilobodji admits it will be tough against his former club, the defender backed his team-mates to battle every step of the way.
“We have to stay positive because it’s not that easy,” said Djilobodji. “We had three victories in four games and even though we lost to Swansea we need to stay strong.
“We have to stay together for our survival in the Premier League and we don’t need negativity because we have the people behind us – the fans – and they come everywhere we go.”
He continued: “We need them and we will need them throughout the season, but I think we will give them what they deserve and they deserve the team to stay in the Premier League.
“Wednesday’s game is going to be difficult but we can do better than we did at Swansea, so we will rest, prepare well and do our best to pick up some points.”