Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Southampton here on Sports Mole.

Both sides come into this one off the back of draws last weekend, with Sunderland earning a point against Stoke City and Southampton being held at home to Tottenham Hotspur. A draw was a better result for the Saints however, with Dick Advocaat's men slipping into the relegation zone, a point behind Leicester City.

More on that shortly. First, we'll have a look at the team news, as the lineups have just been announced:

Sunderland: Pantilimon, Jones, van Aanholt, Cattermole, Larsson, Wickham, Gomez, O'Shea, Graham, Coates, Defoe.

Subs: Bridcutt, Rodwell, Johnson, Reveillere, Mannone, Vergini, Buckley.

Southampton: K. Davis, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Alderweireld, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Long, Mané, Pellè.

Subs: Gazzaniga, Gardos, S. Davis, Djuričić, Elia, Reed, Targett.

The big news for the home side is the return to the bench for Adam Johnson, recently charged with sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. Despite being available for the hosts last weekend, he was deemed not in the right mindset to play against Stoke. He returns to the squad today however, and may have a role to play should the Black Cats be searching for a goal.

An ankle problem keeps Steven Fletcher out this afternoon, while Wes Brown, Ricky Alvarez and Emmanuele Giaccherini all remain sidelined. Following a suspension, Seb Larsson is back in the team in place of Will Buckley, while Advocaat opts for Danny Graham over Jack Rodwell, in a move that suggests he wants his team to attack the Saints backline often.

For Southampton, Morgan Schneiderlin will not play again this season, having picked up a knee ligament injury against Spurs. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a top four club in recent weeks, meaning that he may have made his last appearance for the club, should he move on.

Also out for the rest of the campaign is Dusan Tadic, who has sustained a groin injury. Jay Rodriguez - out for almost exactly one year - has returned to full training, though he is lacking match fitness and still a while away from playing a role in the matchday squad. To complete a lengthy injury list, goalkeeper Fraser Forster, midfielder Filip Djuricic and striker Emmanuel Mayuka are all still in the treatment room.

Ronald Koeman makes two changes today, so in Schneiderlin's place comes Victor Wanyama, who returns from suspension. The other change for the visitors see's Shane Long preferred to Steven Davis.

This is Sunderland's first game at the Stadium of Light for three weeks, since a disappointing 4-1 reverse against Crystal Palace. It was a bad afternoon for the Mackems, who conceded four goals in under 20 minutes, with Yannick Bolasie bagging a hat trick. Unsurprisingly, a late Connor Wickham couldn't silence the boos at the end of the game, and the home crowd surely won't settle for a similar outcome today.

Unfortunately for them the last time these two teams met, it was an afternoon to forget for Sunderland, who went down 8-0 at St Mary's! It was a crazy day on the south coast, with an incredible own goal from Santiago Vergini setting the scene for what was to follow. Graziano Pelle scored a brace, while the now-departed Jack Cork was also on target. I remember that I commentated on the game that day, predicting that Sunderland - then managed by Gus Poyet - were capable of grabbing a draw. Clearly, I was wrong...

Sunderland's big problem this year has been simply drawing too many games. With 15 ties to their name, they have at least four more in the 'D' column than any other side. Having only tasted victory five times in the league all season, it is difficult to imagine them picking up too many more points. Their final four games include trips to Everton, Arsenal and champions-elect Chelsea, meaning that they have to take advantage in their home fixtures - such as today's.

The Saints meanwhile are still hoping to finish fifth, with a Champions League spot probably slightly out of reach now. A point behind both Liverpool and Spurs, the Saints are almost already assured of bettering their best ever Premier League finish of eighth. It's been a superb first season in charge for Koeman. Whether the team finish fifth or seventh, nobody could deny that they've been a top class outfit this year.

I spoke of Pelle's brace last time these two met a few minutes ago, and he got another couple of goals last week against Spurs - one of which was a particularly sublime header. The Italian went through a bit of a barren run, but has been back amongst the goals of late, and Sunderland will certainly have to be aware of his ability here.

Despite the unavailability of Schneiderlin, Forster, Rodriguez and Tadic, this is another really tough assignment for the home team. Advocaat has picked up just four points from his four games in charge so far, with their sole victory being the 1-0 derby win over Newcastle United a month ago.

UPDATE: Huge result at the bottom of the league, with Leicester City trouncing the aforementioned Toon Army 3-0 in the day's early kick off. John Carver's team are in real danger now, with the Foxes now just a point behind them with three games left. It means that a point would not be good enough for Sunderland to climb out of the drop zone today, so a win becomes even more necessary. It's starting to feel like Leicester are going to stay up. Advocaat's men do have games in hand on all of the sides above them, but that'll only be a good thing if they can start winning them.

Anyway, forgetting the goings on elsewhere for a moment, the lads on the Sports Mole panel previewed this one earlier in the week, with Pascal saying he thought the Saints would come out on top today. Matt however decided that this one might just fizzle out into a goalless draw. I hope he's wrong!

Almost 50 per cent of votes on our Sports Mole preview of this game agree with the Pascal that the away side will be victorious, and I have to admit that I'm inclined to agree...

Prediction: Although as previously stated, I'm not too great with my calls on matches I commentate, and Sunderland fans following will hope that that's again the case today. I just think that with Pelle back amongst the goals and the Saints defence continuing to look pretty mean, they will win this one 2-0. It won't quite be an eight goal drubbing, but I just can't see the Black Cats coming out on top.

I have to say the Stadium of Light pitch looks lovely this afternoon. The sun is shining, the stands are full, and hopes are high that Sunderland can pick up a vital three points. They've won just three games here all season.

Kick off just a few moments away now, and the sides are emerging from the tunnel for the pre-match handshake. Sunderland of course are in their traditional red and white stripes today, meaning the Saints kitted in their change strip of dark blue shirts and shorts, and yellow socks.

KICK OFF: Here we go then. The away side get us underway, defending the South Stand, in which their fans are situated. Mike Jones is today's referee.

Southampton apply some early pressure, forcing Pantilimon to boot away a back pass as Pelle's presses.

Slow start here, with the Saints keeping much of the ball. Jordi Gomez goes forward for Sunderland, but is tripped and the resulting free kick comes to nothing.

Wanyama upends Wickham, allowing Larsson to deliver a set piece from the touchline. Billy Jones wins the header, which Davis catches comfortably.

Really not much going on at all here in all honesty. Neither keeper has been tested as yet.

Mane spins his man brilliantly, playing the ball to Long. The Irishman tries a similar move, only to be hacked down by his international teammate John O'Shea!

Vergini commits another niggly foul on Pelle. When Ward-Prowse sprays the ball to Clyne out in space on the right, his touch is poor and lets him down.

SHOT: Excellent grafting from Graham, who gives Fonte no time on the ball at all. Sunderland take a quick throw in and Jones plays Graham back in. The forward shifts the ball a yard before firing over the top of Davis' goal. Bit of a wild one, but Sunderland's most positive move so far.

Long and O'Shea clash again. The Southampton man winces and holds his arm, though it's the Mackems skipper that requires medical attention. He's up and walking, looking as if he'll be ok to continue.

Jordi Gomez gives the home side the lead from the spot! Fonte conceded the kick, literally kicking Graham in the face as he chased a ball that Yoshida had simply headed up in the air. Cattermole was insistent that the Saints captain should be sent off, though Jones waves his plea away. Gomez stepped up, dispatching the ball calmly into Davis' bottom corner.

Incredible stuff, as Southampton fire back immediately. Pantilimon came to meet a ball that was launched into the box. A lack of communication see's him smash right into his own man Coates, and Sadio Mane is on hand to simply roll in the leveller.

O'Shea is limping to the sidelines again, but the mood around the ground has flattened again after that Saints goal. Having grabbed the lead, conceding so quickly is a real blow to the Black Cats. After a crazy five minutes, we're back at square one again.

The home side break forward, with Gomez feeding Graham, who in turn finds Defoe. The striker looks up, only has his eyes for goal, and neglects the option of laying Graham back in. The forward had made a cracking run, though it's no surprise to see Defoe try his luck from there.

Down the other end, Bertrand gets down the left and floats a cross to the back stick, where Pelle is waiting. He doesn't meet it too well, heading over the bar and leaving Pantilimon untroubled.

Sunderland have responded pretty well to the equaliser, not letting it knock their confidence. They're keen to cross the ball into the box, but none of their attempts are finding a teammate, allowing Davis to claim each one with ease.

SUBSTITUTION FOR SUNDERLAND: Vergini - scorer of that impressive own goal when these two last played - comes on for O'Shea, who has been struggling ever since that first clash with Long. That's a blow for the hosts.

YELLOW CARD: Booking for Billy Jones, who fouls Wanyama. Ward-Prowse delivers the kick into the box, which lands at the feet of Long. He tries a shot towards goal, but substitute Vergini blocks well.

Larsson and Gomez are furious with referee Jones, who calls a foul for their side when they'd have rather have him play the advantage. A break was on, so it's poor officiating - and the fans are happy to let him know.

Incredibly there's only been 10 fouls committed so far today - it feels like 40! The latest is on Mane, who is felled by Coates. Ward-Prowse wastes the kick, firing over everyone and out of play.

CLOSE: Van Aanholt gets down the left for the home side. He finds space, rolls the ball into the box, and finds Wickham waiting. The striker meets it, casually side-footing towards goal. It's too casual in fact, flying over the bar. It's a shame, and he should really hit the target.

Jones' booking doesn't deter him from clumsily knocking Mane over. Ward-Prowse has yet another opportunity to deliver into the box, but this time it's too short and it's easily cleared. It reaches Clyne, who despite being a full 30 yards out, takes one touch and lashes a volley goalwards. I say goalwards, it was more Row Z-wards.

Southampton waste a good chance, with Long crossing the ball low straight into Pantilimon's grasp.

SAVE: Great stop from Davis after a good break from the home side. Defoe had played in Wickham, who struck across goal. It bounced off of Bertrand's heel and into the six yard box, where Defoe had continued his run to. He got something on it, though Davis was able to bat it down. Graham was nearly in, but Fonte hacks clear.

Van Aanholt is upended, Larsson has a free kick in a shooting position....

SAVE: Another save from Davis, who parries Larsson's effort. Graham's rebounded shot lacks power, so Southampton get it clear again.

And so, Mike Jones brings a frantic first half to a close. After a quiet opening 20 minutes, the game burst into life when the home side won themselves a penalty, which Jordi Gomez rattled home. The lead lasted all of about 60 seconds, with some comedic defending allowing Sadio Mane to place into an empty net to level matters.

Sunderland are in desperate need of three points today, and in fairness they look the most likely to take them. The Saints haven't really got going as yet, with their usually marauding full-backs - Clyne and Bertrand - surprisingly quiet. Defoe, Wickham and Graham are buzzing around for the home side, hoping that their hard work will eventually payoff.

It's the kind of game where they have to score when they're on top though, because you feel Southampton could just punish them at any point with just a little bit of quality.

RESTART: Back underway here at the Stadium of Light.

The highlight of half time was the recognition of a newly-wed bride amongst the crowd. Her wedding dress proudly had a Sunderland crest plastered across the front of it - the stuff all young girls' dreams are made of as they grow up!

SUBSTITUTION FOR SOUTHAMPTON: Djuricic has been introduced in place of Long for the Saints.

CHANCE: The newly introduced Djuricic should do much better, presented with an opportunity after sloppy play from Coates. The defender simply played the ball straight to him, and he shifted it on to his right before lashing into the stands.

Gomez restores the lead for Sunderland, and James Ward-Prowse has been dismissed! Graham held the ball up well, turned back on himself and rolled the ball to Defoe. The loanee's touch was poor, meaning he had to run across Ward-Prowse, who tripped him. Though it was definitely a penalty, it looks like a very harsh red card for the young midfielder. Once agin, Gomez was the one to take it. This time, he sends Davis the wrong way, rolling it into the keeper's bottom right. Can the lead last a little longer second time around?

So Sunderland back in the driving seat, and this time against 10 men, with Ward-Prowse sent for an early bath. Really not sure about that call from Mike Jones though.

The hosts have their tails up, chasing and harrying the Southampton players into mistakes. Their over-eagerness isn't always a good thing though, with three of their players offside from a Cattermole ball forward!

YELLOW CARD: I wondered when Cattermole's standard caution would arrive, and the answer is "the 58th minute." As Alderweireld plays the ball away, the Sunderland man clatters into him and is rightly booked. When you watch Cattermole, it really is a case of when, not if.

YELLOW CARD: Wanyama this time, who cynically trips Gomez as he tries to drive towards goal.

SUBSTITUTION FOR SOUTHAMPTON: Having picked up a yellow card, Wanyama trots off, replaced by Steven Davis.

Sunderland are guilty of over playing the ball, allowing Djuricic to nick it off them. Mane collects a pass down the right before being tripped by Cattermole, who stands on his heel. I think it was accidental, but there's no doubt that one would have hurt the Saints winger, who seeks medical attention.

SUBSTITUTION FOR SOUTHAMPTON: Mane is now replaced, although I think he's ok. Cattermole has a word with him as he jogs off, although it doesn't exactly look as if pleasantries are exchanged. Elia has come on to boost Southampton's chances.

Less than 20 minutes left now, can Sunderland hold out for a vital win? With Leicester already winning today, and Villa leading Everton 3-1 at home currently, they really, really need these three points. The top of the league may have been a foregone conclusion for a while now, but the picture at the bottom looks set to go right to the wire.

This one is petering out in all honesty. Southampton haven't been at the races today, and the sending off seems to have taking it out of them from an attacking sense. One that can be discarded and forgotten about once the full time whistle blows I think.

Southampton have had the ball for a long time, and you can hear the fans getting restless. It's a nervy time for the Black Cats right now...

SUBSTITUTION FOR SUNDERLAND: Defoe and Larsson are replaced by Rodwell and Johnson as Advocaat attempts to close things out. Initially the striker didn't look happy but eventually high-fived his manager and took his place on the bench.

Bertrand meets the ball down the left before summing up his side's day and slicing it straight into the South Stand.

Pelle appeals for a penalty, claiming that Coates uses his hand to stop a goal-bound shot. Although it does hit his hand, it's not one you can class as "unnatural" and it would have been very harsh if Jones had pointed to the spot for the third time today.

Southampton are struggling, failing to create anything meaningful. Sunderland, as you'd rightly expect, have fought for their lives here today. They deserve to hold on.

SAVE: Rodwell tests Davis, forcing him to save from a tight angle.

CHANCE: Sunderland living dangerously there, allowing Djuricic a chance. Davis delivered from the left and found his teammate, who chested down. The ball didn't drop as quickly as he'd like, and Vergini got a crucial block in.

Four minutes are to be added on here.

Graham is upended and the crowd cheers an opportunity for Sunderland to kill the clock. They're so close now...

Burnley and QPR have both lost and are surely down now, so it's one from the rest down the bottom. Sunderland are doing all they can to ensure victory here, and are keeping it in the corner well.

SAVE: Massive save from Pantilimon to preserve the three points! Clyne whipped a good ball in which Pelle leathered goalwards. He couldn't have connected better, but the big keeper was there to bat it away. He raises his arms in celebration. Vergini played a silly back heel in the build up there. It nearly cost his team.

Huge win for Sunderland, who needed those three points after results elsewhere today. Two penalties from Jordi Gomez - one in each corner - were enough to claim the win, and the fans are overjoyed in the stands.

It was a forgettable afternoon for Southampton, who had Ward-Prowse sent off following the concession of the second of those two penalties. I told you before kick-off that I wasn't very good at predictions!

Thank you for joining us here on Sports Mole this afternoon. For reaction to this and all of today's Premier League games, stick with us over the next hour or so.