Sunderland play host to Oxford United on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship standings.
While the Black Cats hold a three-point advantage at the summit, the visitors to the Stadium of Light are currently in 11th position.
Match preview
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There will be certain sections of the Sunderland fanbase that may be pessimistic over whether their side is capable of sustaining their outstanding form in the Championship.
Nevertheless, eight wins from 11 games suggests they are relishing that underdog tag, the Black Cats also scoring the most goals in the division.
Only three strikes have been recorded in away fixtures at Hull City and Luton Town since the October international break, yet they were enough to earn Regis Le Bris' side two more victories on their travels.
Sunderland now sit three points clear of second-placed Burnley and a massive eight points in front of seventh-placed Norwich City as they bid to cement an advantage in the race for the playoffs.
The North-East outfit head into this game having conceded just twice in five games at the Stadium of Light, both of those goals coming in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United.
From Oxford's perspective, Des Buckingham knows that avoiding defeat in the long run is likely to ensure that the minnows of the division remain in the second tier.
That said, he probably did not account for five successive draws being recorded since September 28, nor that being capable of keeping his team in the top half of the standings.
Oxford's best work has come at the Kassam Stadium, not losing any of their six games, but they have at least posted stalemates in their two most recent away fixtures at Luton Town and Portsmouth.
Since returning from the international break, their draws at home have been against West Bromwich Albion and Derby County respectively.
Team News
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Unless he wishes to bring some fresh legs into the team for the third game in the space of a week, De Bris will be open to keeping the same Sunderland XI.
Patrick Roberts is an option to earn an opportunity on one of the flanks, while Adil Aouchiche will hope to make his first appearance since August.
Although Aaron Connolly picked up a knock as a substitute at Luton, the Republic of Ireland international is only likely to be selected among the replacements.
Meanwhile, Siriki Dembele appears likely to miss out for Oxford after sustaining an ankle injury in the draw with Derby.
Owen Dale is in line to deputise in a wide position, while Josh McEachran, Louie Sibley and Mark Harris are all alternatives in midfield and attack.
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Browne, Neil, Bellingham; Rigg, Isidor, Mundle
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Kioso, Moore, Nelson, Brown; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Mizouni, Dembele; Scarlett
We say: Sunderland 2-1 Oxford United
With Oxford proving difficult to beat of late, they will fancy their chances of continuing their unbeaten run in the North East. Nevertheless, we cannot back against the Black Cats, whose extra quality in the final third may lead to them prevailing by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
