Jermain Defoe has hailed the importance of Sunderland’s togetherness ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Bet365 Stadium.
Like the Black Cats, Stoke City are also searching for their first Premier League win of the campaign having picked up three draws andfour defeats in their opening seven games.
Victory for David Moyes’ side would see them leapfrog the Potters in the top-flight table, and Defoe has revealed their is a positive mood within the camp ahead of the trip to Staffordshire.
“The spirit here has always been good to be honest,” Defoe told chroniclelive.co.uk.
“There are some good characters here and whenever new players come in, you have got to try to get them involved in the group.
“That (lack of spirit) is not the problem. It has always been good and at the end of the day, you have to remain positive because the games are so important.”
He added: “Every game is so difficult, home or away, compared to when I first started.
“It is important that the whole team sticks together, like we did last season towards the end, then you will be fine.”