Sunderland host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday in their final game before the October international break.
The Black Cats were stunned last weekend as Crystal Palace clawed back a two-goal deficit before sealing a 3-2 win in the 94th minute through record signing Christian Benteke.
And after coming so close to an elusive first win in the Premier League, David Moyes will be hoping his side can be equally clinical in front of goal while tightening up at the back.
West Brom, meanwhile, have enjoyed a positive start to the campaign and they currently sit tenth in the Premier League table.
Last time out Tony Pulis’ side rescued a 1-1 draw at Stoke City as Salomon Rondon struck in the 91st minute, with the Baggies picking up four points from their last two top-flight outings.
Jermain Defoe scored twice last weekend to bring his 2016-17 tally to four goals in six games, but the Black Cats will be without Adnan Januaj who has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks.
Steven Pienaar, who limped out of last weekend’s game, will also miss out, as will striker Victor Anichebe who picked up a groin injury in training, with midfielder Lee Cattermole the latest Black Cat to be sidelined.
Vito Mannone, Seb Larsson and Fabio Borini are also unavailable.
Chris Brunt, James Morrison and Hal Robson-Kanu featured for Albion's Premier League 2 side against Stoke on Monday evening in their search for match fitness.
Saido Berahino and Brendan Galloway also started for James Shan's side after missing the draw at the bet365 Stadium with a virus.
The last meeting between the two sides ended goalless in April at the Stadium of Light, with Saido Berahino scoring the only goal in the reverse fixture.
Make sure you don’t miss any of the drama this Saturday buy securing your seat for the first of two consecutive games at the Stadium of Light – click here to purchase or for more information.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett are this weekend’s commentary team.
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