Dean Smith is hoping to spring a surprise on Wearside when he brings his Brentford side to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
A six-goal thriller ensued when the Black Cats travelled to Griffin Park earlier in the season, as the Bees came back from 3-1 down to earn a point.
Smith, who took charge of the London-based side in 2015, believes the red and white army will expect a win on Saturday, and admitted he’s wary of the threat posed by Chris Coleman’s side.
But he also issued a warning to the Black Cats, explaining that his side will head to Wearside with three points in their sights.
“I'd think Sunderland fans are expecting a home win,” said Smith.
“Whenever we go away from home our game is to get on the ball, frustrate the opposition.”
He continued: “They’ve obviously got a lot of character in the team.
“Bristol City are a good team, so to go 3-0 down at Ashton Gate and come back to earn a draw shows that they’ve got plenty of quality and we have to be very wary of the threat that they pose.
“It’s common knowledge that their home form hasn’t been great this year and we’re hoping to capitalise on that.
“We've not played there for a while and they probably see us as a small club and little old Brentford.
“Hopefully we can surprise a lot of their supporters and show what we're about.”