Preview: Sunderland vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime as they look to continue the form that has seen them move clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Black Cats made it three wins from four games on Boxing Day with a surprise 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

Manager Martin O'Neill is likely to retain the same starting lineup from that match, knowing that a win could move them to the brink of breaking into the top half of the table.

Tottenham Hotspur thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 on Boxing Day to move into the top four of the Premier League table.

Gareth Bale made it nine league goals for the season with a second-half treble while Jermain Defoe scored his 10th goal of the campaign.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas is likely to retain the same team if no fitness issues occur before Saturday's match.

Recent form

Sunderland: LLWLWW

Tottenham Hotspur: WWLWDW

Possible starting lineups

Sunderland: Mignolet; Kilgallon, Cuellar, Rose, Larsson; Gardner, Colback, Johnson, McClean, Sessegnon; Fletcher

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Vertonghen, Gallas, Naughton, Walker; Lennon, Bale, Sandro, Dembele; Adebayor, Defoe

Sports Mole says: 1-2