Sunderland return to action on Tuesday evening facing Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light (KO 7.45pm).
It’s been a patient wait for the Black Cats who endured a rare weekend off due to their Emirates FA Cup exit, with their last outing – defeat to West Bromwich Albion – forced to hang over.
But the wait is over, and three points are the aim.
It won’t be easy, though, with Spurs pushing for the title, and tonight could be the night where they ramp up the pressure on leaders Chelsea who face a seismic trip to Liverpool.
And speaking pre-match, Mauricio Pochettino urged his side to pile pressure on the Blues.
Toby Alderweireld is expected to start and the Belgium international will be key, having lost just one of the 14 games he’s played in this season, conceding a paltry seven goals.
The defender’s contribution at the back, coupled with Dele Alli and Harry Kane’s stunning form up top, means the Londoners head into the game just nine points off top spot.
Back on Wearside, Sunderland are without a Premier League win since 17 December when Watford were beaten at the Stadium of Light.
And the Black Cats will be keen to return to form at home, with David Moyes’ side losing just one of six games at the SoL between the start of October and the middle of January.
The Sunderland boss faces a full-back dilemma ahead of kick-off, however, following the exit of defensive mainstay Patrick van Aanholt, with Bryan Oviedo unable for selection until Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Javier Manquillo has started at left-back this season and is likely to slot in.
Like Oviedo, Darron Gibson is also unavailable but reinforcements have arrived, with Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong back on Wearside following the Africa Cup of Nations.
Lynden Gooch could also be included in the squad following return to action with the club’s under-23s on Sunday.
Jordan Pickford, Paddy McNair, Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Duncan Watmore and Victor Anichebe are injured, but Joleon Lescott could make his Sunderland debut.
Spurs, meanwhile, were handed a huge boost ahead of the game as Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Kane were passed fit.
But they will be without Jan Vertonghen, Kieran Trippier and Erik Lamela.
The last meeting between the two sides on Wearside saw Spurs strike late as Ryan Mason sealed a 1-0 win, with Pochettino’s side winning by the same scoreline at White Hart Lane earlier this season.
Sunderland’s last win over Spurs came in 2010 as a Darren Bent double and Bolo Zenden wonder goal sealed a stunning 3-1 victory.
Tonight, any win will do.
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