Sunderland play host to Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to move into the top 10 of the Championship standings.
However, 18th-placed Cardiff are just three points adrift of their hosts, highlighting the current small margin for error in the second tier of English football.
Match preview
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After a run of just one win from seven matches, Sunderland have recently dropped out of immediate contention for the playoffs, something which would have naturally concerned Tony Mowbray.
However, Sunderland have since responded by collecting four points on their travels against Luton Town and Huddersfield Town, results which can kick-start their campaign ahead of the break for the World Cup.
In sharp contrast to conceding four second-half goals against Burnley, the Black Cats have responded with two strong showings after the break, particularly at Luton as they came from behind to earn a share of the spoils.
Sunderland and Mowbray have undoubtedly been hindered by injuries to key forwards, yet they have only failed to net in one of their last six outings.
The return of Ellis Simms is a notable boost for Sunderland, as is Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo netting twice in his last three appearances after an indifferent start to his spell at the Stadium of Light.
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Meanwhile, Cardiff caretaker boss Mark Hudson has recently acknowledged that discussions have been held with the club's hierarchy regarding remaining in the role as manager in the long term.
However, the Bluebirds have lost four of their last five fixtures, the latest defeat coming at home to Watford on Wednesday night after initially taking an early lead.
With 10 points coming from his eight matches in charge, Hudson can be satisfied with a respectable return, but the Welsh outfit currently sit just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Furthermore, Cardiff also possess the joint-worst attacking record in the division, and it remains that none of their squad have netted more than two goals all season.
Team News
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Simms appears in line to earn a recall to the Sunderland attack after proving his fitness during two substitute appearances.
Although Jack Clarke is expected to return to the starting lineup after his one-match ban, Alex Pritchard impressed in his place at Huddersfield.
Daniel Neil may also come back into contention for a start in midfield if Mowbray opts for fresh legs.
While Cardiff were competitive against Watford, Hudson may show preference for freshening up his side in midfield and the final third.
Romaine Sawyers and Sheyi Ojo are both pushing for recalls, and Kion Etete will hope to finally be given his first Championship start after nine substitute outings.
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; O'Nien, Wright, Batth, Cirkin; Roberts, Evans, Embleton, Clarke; Diallo, Simms
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Romeo, Ng, Kipre, Nkounkou; Rinomhota, Wintle, Ralls; Philogene-Bidace, Etete, Ojo
We say: Sunderland 1-0 Cardiff City
Having lost in midweek, we do not expect the most attack-minded of performances from Cardiff. At a time when Sunderland have not always found goals easy to come by, one strike may be enough for the Black Cats to emerge victorious at the Stadium of Light.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
