Sunderland welcome Watford to Wearside on Saturday in the final round of Premier League fixtures before Christmas (kick-off 3pm).
The second game in a Stadium of Light double-header over the last four days, sees the Black Cats aiming to bounce back from two frustrating defeats in the last week.
While last Saturday saw David Moyes’ side endure a frustrating defeat in South Wales at the hands of Swansea City, Wednesday followed in the same vein as league-leaders Chelsea triumphed on Wearside.
That has seen Moyes’ side return to the bottom of the table but their recent form remains positive, with the Black Cats picking up three wins from their last six games.
Now, their manager has challenged them to go on a similar run and pick up points over a challenging festive schedule.
Watford, meanwhile, head to the north east on a similar run of form as they have won two of their last five matches.
Walter Mazzarri’s side have enjoyed a comfortable top-flight campaign so far and are 11th, having brushed aside Manchester United, Leicester City and Everton in fine fashion already this season.
While last season’s star man Odion Ighalo has struggled to reach the same heights he set last term, with just one goal so far this season, Etienne Capoue and Troy Deeney have kept the Mazzarri’s side ticking over with eight goals between them.
But Sunderland also have goals in their arsenal and Jermain Defoe has netted that amount by himself already this campaign for the Black Cats.
Already with an injury headache due to the long-term absents of Lee Cattermole, Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore and Lynden Gooch, Moyes has been dealt another blow as Jan Kirchhoff tore his knee cartilage tear during Wednesday’s match against Chelsea.
Moyes will also make a late decision over the fitness of Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar after they missed the defeat to Chelsea through injury.
Didier Ndong will be back in contention after completing his suspension.
Meanwhile, Watford will be without Roberto Pereyra after he picked up a knee injury against Manchester City earlier this week, as well as Stefano Okaka and Adrian Mariappa.
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Fans attending the match are advised to take their seats early as their will be a minutes silence ahead of kick-off in memory of loyal supporters and former players who have passed away.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be ON AIR from 2pm.