Victor Anichebe is expecting a tense affair when Sunderland host West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (KO 3pm).
Still searching for a first Premier League win, the Black Cats host the Baggies in their final game before the international break and Anichebe believes they can take three points.
West Brom, meanwhile, currently sit tenth and they are bang in form having taken four points from their last two games, including a comfortable win over West Ham United.
Speaking to safc.com, Anichebe admitted it will be a close game, but after a focussed week on the training ground he backed the Lads to bounce back.
“The gaffer hasn’t taken any prisoners and he’s getting into everybody,” said the former Baggies striker. “He’s hammered into us about shape and defending and the basics of football.
“You have to do the groundwork before you do the other stuff and that’s what this week has been all about, and the game at the weekend is really important.”
He continued: “We need to forget about everything else and push forward, so hopefully we can continue to improve while getting better results.
“I’ve seen some of West Brom’s results and they’ve started really well and I have some good friends there so I’m happy, but I’m here now and I hope we can get a good result at the weekend.
“West Brom are always a tough team to beat – and break down – and I know how much Tony [Pulis] puts into shape and organisation, so I think Saturday’s game will be really tight but I think it’s clear for everyone that we need to improve.
“It will be a tense game but we will prepare well and we know how much it means.”