Sunderland will embark on their latest Emirates FA Cup campaign when they host Burnley on Saturday (KO 3pm).
The two-time winners will be hoping to rekindle memories of years gone by and emulate the Wearside heroes of 1937 and 1973, but before dreams of Wembley foster they must overcome Burnley side who cruised to victory against the Black Cats on New Year’s Eve.
Sunderland, however, arguably enter the game as narrow favourites because for all of Burnley’s scintillating play at Turf Moor, they have struggled on the road picking up just one point away from home in the Premier League.
And after bouncing back against Liverpool, David Moyes’ side will head into Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light with spirits high.
Jermain Defoe netted twice against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds as their title ambitions took a dent, but their defensive resilience, which will be vital against the Clarets, was equally as pleasing for the Black Cats boss.
Burnley, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against ten-man Manchester City.
While Moyes will be without African trio, Lamine Kone Wahbi Khazri and Didier Ndong, the Scot has been handed a fitness boost over Belgian youngster Jason Denayer who returned to training this week.
The 53-year-old was coy over his selection but insisted changes are likely to be limited.
Sunderland exited the competition in the third round last season, albeit against a very good Arsenal side, and victory this weekend would see the Lads reach the fourth round for the third time in four years.
The Black Cats last reached the final in 1992 when they lost 1-0 to Liverpool, but they have impressed in cup competitions in recent years – not least when they reached the League Cup final in 2013 – and they were one game away from an FA Cup semi-final in 2014 as Hull City progressed.
Burnley also exited the competition to Arsenal last season, losing out in the fourth round.
However, victory over fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough in last season’s third round provided the catalyst for a 23-game unbeaten run in the Championship and eventual title success.
Momentum will be key to both sides during the second half of the 2016-17 season, and victory will be the aim for Moyes and Dyche this weekend.
OTHER INFO
Make sure you don’t miss any of the drama this Saturday buy securing your seat for the first of two consecutive games at the Stadium of Light – click here to purchase or for more information.
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.
