Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has admitted that he is not surprised by the club's disappointing start to the season.
The Black Cats are currently just one place an one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table following two wins from their opening 14 matches.
"It's been a tough start to the season. It hasn't come as any major surprise to me," O'Neill told reporters.
"The team is essentially the same as last season so it's a tough struggle, but we'll get there."
Sunderland can pull away from the drop zone on Saturday with a victory against an out-of-form Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
