Sunderland makes a late run for Premier League survival on an annual basis. Just when the Black Cats look to be doomed they pulled themselves back from the brink. This season could be yet another one of those great escapes.
The Black Cats face beleaguered Everton on Wednesday night at the Stadium of Light in a game that could confirm the north east sides place in the Premier League for next season.
Sam Allardyce’s team have a golden opportunity to claim a valuable three points. The visitors have endured something of a slump in the Premier League of late and boss Roberto Martinez has been criticised for the Toffees performances this season.
A number of British tabloids have claimed the Spaniard will leave the Merseyside club in the near future. Another defeat may just edge the former-boss out of the door and that is a distinct possibility with the Black Cats in such desperate need of a win, especially as the north east side are unbeaten in four games.
Former-England striker Jermain Defoe has hit form this season scoring 15 goals in the Premier League. The diminutive striker has now scored three times in his last five appearances in the English top-flight.
The 33-year-old could be a key player for the Black Cats against Everton, whose defensive record this season is poor.
Sunderland will take even more satisfaction from a win if it means that they secure their top-flight status and consign arch-rivals Newcastle to life in the Championship next season.
At the moment the Black Cats recording a vital win against an Everton team with little to play for this season cannot be written-off.