Daniel Farke is expecting a real battle when Norwich City travel to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening (KO 7.45pm).
The Canaries arrive on Wearside with the wind in their sails, having clinched an impressive 4-1 win over play-off chasing Aston Villa last time out.
Sunderland, meanwhile, need to win, and they cannot afford to pick up anything other than three points.
And because of that, Farke believes his side will face a tough game.
“We know that in the last weeks of the season, we have to face an opponent who is struggling against relegation and that is a pretty tough task.
"They will be full of aggressiveness and highly-motivated, they have to win this game and they need this success for the club.”
He continued: "In their last game against Leeds, they were much the better side and deserved to win the game.
"That’s the sign that their heads aren’t in League One already, so I’m pretty sure they will fight for their lives and it will be a game of high intensity.
"The supporters will be there and will support them, although there could be some advantages [for us] as they could be a bit nervous as well and could be over-motivated.
"We have to be really awake to use these moments to be successful."