Sunderland boss Gus Poyet believes that his side's home form will be crucial to their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have won just once this season with that victory coming in their last game at the Stadium of Light against Newcastle United, and they now face Manchester City on Sunday.
"The teams that are challenging for the title and the Champions League are the most difficult ones to play against," he told reporters. "We must make sure we do the basics and try to find a solution and win the game, because points are very, very important to us.
"[Being strong at home] is important to help us out of the situation we are in. If we can win most of the matches at home then we can steady the ship, build our confidence and get points away from home as well.
"But in saying that we need to start that at home and make sure we keep winning games here."
Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League.
Simon Sinclair
