Slaven Bilic has urged his side to build on their 1-0 win over Swansea City when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday (KO 3pm).
The Hammers ended a five-game losing streak last weekend as they dispatched the Swans to move eight points clear of the drop zone, with the West Ham United boss revealing confidence is soaring ahead of this weekend’s clash against the Black Cats.
However, he acknowledges it won’t be easy against the Black Cats who will be desperate to pick up three points.
“It’s a big game for us,” said the Hammers boss. “We beat Swansea, which was also a big, big game and now we’re approaching the second one.
“Every game is big and Sunderland is in a situation that they are desperate for a win and that’s why it’s a big game for them, but also it’s a big game for us.”
He continued: “We are looking forward to that game to secure, or getting closer to securing our Premier League status.
“Every win gives you a boost, especially if you’re doing it in such a big game as we had against Swansea after five defeats in a row, so, of course, the confidence is back.
“As I said before, belief is permanent and we never lost it, and the confidence comes and goes.
“Now we have the confidence back, we have to build on that and not lose it again.”