Sunderland face Everton on Sunday desperately needing to maintain their fine home league form.
Black Cats look to continue winning home form
Sunderland face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday desperately needing to maintain their impressive home form.
The Black Cats would surely be in deep relegation trouble had they not turned the Stadium of Light into something of a fortress, having claimed all but three of their 27 points at home this term.
This impressive home form means Roy Keane's men are 15th in the table, hovering just two points above the drop zone.
They have won their last four home league games - against Wigan, Birmingham, Portsmouth and Bolton - since the Boxing Day defeat to Manchester United.
Everton's scalp could be the next on this list, but David Moyes' men will present stiff opposition as they chase a UEFA Champions League spot.
The Toffees are fifth in the league, with only goal difference seperating them from their fierce rivals Liverpool for the all-important last Champions League berth.
The Blues will be particularly dangerous as Moyes will insist they respond in a positive manner from their disappointing 2-0 Uefa Cup defeat to Fiorentina on Thursday.
This poor result ended a seven-match unbeaten run since their reverse to Chelsea in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg.
Team news
Sunderland will welcome back Danny Collins from suspension for the clash with Everton.
The defender sat out last weekend's goalless draw at Derby after accumulating five bookings this season.
Liam Miller also missed the game after being transfer-listed for poor time keeping. He remains on the list and manager Roy Keane refused to reveal whether he would return against the Toffees.
Winger Carlos Edwards (broken leg) is close to a comeback, with Keane hopeful he will feature for the reserves next week, but Ross Wallace (knee) remains sidelined.
Everton manager David Moyes will be forced to change his side for the trip to Sunderland after fielding the same team for the previous four matches.
Midfielder Lee Carsley will serve a one-match suspension, while Leon Osman limped out of the Uefa Cup defeat by Fiorentina with a groin injury and could also be rested.
With Everton facing a tough second leg against the Italians at Goodison Park on Wednesday, it is likely Moyes will shuffle his side against the Black Cats, with the likes of Andrew Johnson returning to the starting line-up.
Mikel Arteta, a late substitute in Florence having joined up with the squad late after medical treatment in Spain on his groin problem, will be assessed prior to the match.
