Sunderland v Blackburn preview

Allardyce: Sunderland test

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Sunderland 2 Blackburn 2
Sky Bet odds: Sunderland 6/5, Draw 12/5, Blackburn 9/4
One to Watch: Kenwyne Jones
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Sunderland will be aiming for a third successive Premier League victory when they tackle Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.

Black Cats caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia, who has been tipped for the role on a permanent basis, has recorded two impressive triumphs during his three matches in charge.

Sbragia's men marched to a 4-1 win at Hull City last weekend to move them away from the relegation places following a disappointing run of form under former boss Roy Keane.

Rovers, meanwhile, got their era under Allardyce - who expressed an interest in the Stadium of Light post before moving to Ewood Park - off to an impressive start as they vanquished Stoke City 3-0, the club's first three points in 12 outings.

Sunderland will hand striker El-Hadji Diouf a late fitness test ahead of the clash at the Stadium of Light.

The Senegal international has just returned to training after being given a week's leave to be with his wife as she gave birth, and his fitness levels will be assessed ahead of the game.

Stick or twist

Sbragia otherwise has no fresh selection problems to contend with as he looks to striking duo Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse, who have impressed of late.

Keeper Craig Gordon has begun rehabilitation after his ankle injury, while full-back George McCartney is due back at the club next week following surgery on both feet.

Allardyce is likely to select from the same squad which rewarded him with a debut success over the Potters.

Striker Roque Santa Cruz has not recovered from a calf injury which forced him to miss last weekend's match, meaning Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts are set to continue their successful partnership in attack.

Australian midfielder Vince Grella has now recovered from the hamstring injury which has kept him out since mid-November but is now sidelined by a virus.

Possible Starting Xls:

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Malbranque, Tainio, Richardson, Reid, Cisse, Jones.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Samba, Warnock, Emerton, Andrews, Pedersen, Dunn, Santa Cruz, Roberts.