Jack Ross is expecting a familiar challenge when Sunderland face Burton Albion on Saturday.
Home and away, the Lads have repeatably come up against sides who are desperate to overcome them and issue a statement to the rest of the league.
It’s been so far so good for the Lads in red and white, though, with Ross’ side unbeaten in Sky Bet League One this campaign.
But ahead of the trip to the Pirelli Stadium, the Scot urged his players to start fast and seize the initiative.
“We expect the same as we have done in every game, home or away this season,” said Ross.
“A team that is desperate to try and beat us, we’ve seen that in every match we’ve played so far, and I imagine Saturday will be the same.”
He continued: “We are acutely aware that if we started games better through the course of the season, we would be in an even better position than we’re in.
“We need to deal with the challenges we face in that opening period and we’ve seen that already, but we don’t shy away from it.
"If we want to improve on our current position, we need to win these games.
"I keep saying it, this club's ambition is to win every game and that won't be different on Saturday, even if we're away from home."
