Friday 25 September 2015 14:01, UK
Dick Advocaat has promised old pal Louis van Gaal a "tough time" when Sunderland go to Manchester United on Saturday.
Advocaat's side sit bottom of the Premier League ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, without a win and already 11 points behind second-placed United.
But the Dutchman was encouraged by his side's attacking threat in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the week, and he is convinced Sunderland can cause problems for compatriot and one-time team-mate van Gaal.
"Normally United would beat us but we can give them a really tough time. That will happen, you will see," said Advocaat, who did concede a draw would be "a great result".
"You have nothing to lose against United and if we are well organised, and try to hurt them a bit, then why not?
"Against City we created three or four chances and a little bit the same against Spurs. We will have opportunities to score."
Advocaat and van Gaal played together at Sparta Rotterdam and have faced each other 10 times as managers, with the Sunderland boss losing just once.
But Advocaat said: "He's one of the best coaches in the world, no doubt about that. He has worked at the highest levels in Europe.
"He is a manager who does not just look for the easy way, he is always looking for the most difficult way. If you see his prize list, it is unbelievable, so I rate him very highly."
Advocaat brought in several new players after deciding to stay on as Sunderland boss in the summer and is still waiting for his new-look side to gel.
He said: "I still think, with my experience, that if you bring in players it takes time. They need to get used to the league and the team.
"Last season we did a great job and everybody was positive, but we're still positive and we have a better squad than last season."
Jermain Defoe is likely to be available despite ongoing hamstring trouble, but midfielder Jack Rodwell is a doubt.
