Sunderland make a long-awaited return to regular Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.
An on-off schedule in recent weeks has seen the Black Cats face just three games since the second week of February, with David Moyes’ men picking up one point from games against Everton, Manchester City and Burnley.
But, traditionally, Watford have struggled against their Wearside counterparts, setting a trend that will hopefully continue this weekend.
The Hornets have emerged victorious in just one of the last five Premier League meetings between the two sides (D1 L3), with the Black Cats last losing away at Watford – in any competition – in 1999.
Sunderland’s last win came at Crystal Palace where there was goals galore and they’ve failed to score in just three of the last 37 games against Watford.
And, fresh from his England exploits, Jermain Defoe will be determind to find the net against Watford for the first time, having scored against 35 different teams, but never the Hornets.
Both teams have made regular changes to their line-ups with this season and Sunderland (31) are the only side to use more players in the PL this campaign than Watford (30).
And weathering the early storm will be key for Moyes’ side, with Watford netting nine PL goals in the opening 30 minutes of matches, with eight – a league high – coming in the opening 15 minutes.