Jan Kirchhoff has urged his team-mates to connect with the red and white army and make the Stadium of Light a fortress.
The German international, who has returned to the side in recent weeks following injury, completed his first 90 minutes of the season on Wednesday as the Black Cats secured a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.
Paddy McNair was the hero scoring a late brace to send the 2,000-strong red and white army back to Wearside with a spring in their step.
And with a SoL double-header against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion next on the agenda, Kirchhoff urged the Lads to push on and seal a first Premier League win of the campaign.
“Our injured players are back and we almost have a full squad available,” said Kirchhoff. “We have two home games against teams we can beat and that’s what we have to do.
“We have to get our season started and get our first three points to take steps up the Premier League table.”
He continued: “It’s crazy how the fans follow us all over the country but it’s also very nice, so the least they deserve is our biggest effort.
“We have to build the connection with them – like we did at the end of last season – at our home stadium and create an atmosphere which makes us hard to beat.
“We have to get three points against Crystal Palace with the help of our fans, but we also have to help them give us the best support.”
Match betting odds with Dafabet
Jermain Defoe to score two or more NOW 12/1 (was 10/1)
Duncan Watmore to score anytime NOW 11/1 (was 17/2)
Sunderland to win and over 2.5 goals NOW 13/2 (was 5/1)
Sunderland to win 1-0 NOW 9/1 (was 7/1)
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