Sunderland will face a stern test when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, according to David Moyes.
The Black Cats suffered a 3-0 defeat to Everton on Monday evening but there was time to dwell as preparations immediately geared towards a trip to the capital.
Tottenham, meanwhile, failed to build on a crushing win over Stoke City last weekend as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.
Moyes, who was a keen observer, said that Mauricio Pochettino’ side were unlucky against the principality side, and he believes that the Spurs’ English core can once again fire them to a title tilt.
“We’ve all been impressed by Tottenham and I think they’ve become a club that people want to watch, particularly because of the England situation – they have two of three good English players – and I think the media in this country want England to do well and have good players.
“Tottenham have got that and I think that’s what’s made them a side that a lot of people want to do well, and having watched quite a lot of them, the manager, the team and the club has done very well.”
He continued: “I might be going against the grain but I think they were a little unlucky against Monaco on Wednesday night.
“I thought it could have gone the other way for them during the early stages of the game but it didn’t and the goal from Monaco was definitely against the run of play.
“I think they are title challengers and I think they will be close with the players and squad they have.”
DAFABET
Tottenham v Sunderland
Jermain Defoe to score two or more goals NOW 28/1 (was 22/1)
Duncan Watmore to score the first goal NOW 20/1 (was 16/1)
Sunderland to win half-time/ full-time NOW 20/1 (was 16/1)
Sunderland to win and over 2.5 goals NOW 20/1 (was 16/1)