David Moyes is confident Sunderland can overcome Middlesbrough and return to Wearside with three points ahead of Saturday’s Stadium of Light showdown against AFC Bournemouth.
The Black Cats face a make or break week of Premier League football and Boro are first on the agenda, with Moyes’ men fully-focused on defeating the Teesiders and striking a big blow in the race for survival.
Last time out Sunderland were held to a 2-2 draw against West Ham United, with Boro falling to a 4-0 defeat at Dean Court as their wait for a 2017 win continued.
And speaking to safc.com ahead of Wednesday's game, Moyes stated the Black Cats will head to the Riverside Stadium in a confident frame of mind.
“The only thing I have got in my head is how to beat Boro,” said the Sunderland boss at his pre-match press conference.
“It is such a big game for both clubs; we played well against West Ham and we'll go into this game confident."
He continued: "There is a belief in the squad we can get three points tomorrow night.
“It is important we give the fans something to cheer about - we haven't done that enough this season.
"We are really focusing on staying in the Premier League and if we win this next one it gives us a real chance on Saturday."