Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes that Gus Poyet's men will have enough to edge out their bitter rivals Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.
The Black Cats are without a win in their last six matches, but have beaten the Magpies in their last three meetings, two of which have been 3-0 victories at St James' Park.
Phillips feels that Sunderland have to take advantage of Newcastle's goalkeeping situation as third-choice keeper Jak Alnwick is poised to start, despite suffering a shoulder injury in his side's 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.
He told Sky Sports News: "The situation isn't ideal for Newcastle's defence. They've let in four against Tottenham and Arsenal in the past week and they'd like an experienced person behind them, talking to them and helping them. But they'll have to deal with what they've got on the day.
"Sunderland go into the game without a win since the start of November but form can go out of the window on occasions like this. It's about who performs on the day, who doesn't freeze, who doesn't bottle it. Sunderland have come out on top in the last three derbies, so who knows which way it will fall this weekend.
"It'll be difficult for Sunderland but given their recent history in these games, I reckon they might surprise a few people and nick a very tight match."
Sunderland are 15th in the Premier League going into the match against the Magpies.
Simon Sinclair
