If there was ever a time that Sunderland did not want to play Everton, this would be it. Saturday's clash at the Stadium of Light comes at point when the Black Cats are floundering and the Toffees are flying.
Yet, while everything points towards an away victory, it is a must-win encounter for the hosts if they are to stand any chance of retaining their Premier League status this season.
Monday's 5-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur made it four defeats in a row and, crucially, took matters out of their own hands in the relegation battle. They now sit rock bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety.
In all competitions, their unbeaten run now stretches back eight games, including seven defeats, which is a spell of form that rather devalues the two games in hand that they have over the majority of teams above them. Having a couple of matches extra is only an advantage if they can make the most of them.
They haven't shown much to suggest that they will be able to do that, however. Spirited, but ultimately fruitless displays against Liverpool and, to a lesser extent, West Ham United at least hinted that Sunderland were fighting for their lives. The way they collapsed against Spurs having taken the lead, however, will be a huge concern for the club.
Indeed, manager Gus Poyet has admitted that it will take a "miracle" for his side to avoid relegation now, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United still to play before the end of the season.
The outlook is certainly bleak for Sunderland, and the Stadium of Light has not exactly shone on them this season either. They have the worst home record in the Premier League having picked up just 12 points in front of their own fans.
They have won just one of their last nine home games and been victorious on only three occasions all season. Two of those victories were memorable ones against Newcastle United and Manchester City, but they have not shown that spirit often enough this season.
Poyet will once again be without Keiren Westwood and Steven Fletcher due to injury, while a concern over Wes Brown could see John O'Shea return to the starting lineup.
At the other end of the spectrum, Everton will go into this match full of confidence following a remarkable run of form that has left Champions League qualification in their own hands.
Roberto Martinez has cooled talk of finishing in the top four, but after six straight league victories, including last weekend's 3-0 win over Arsenal, they now sit just one point behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
With both Manchester clubs still to visit Goodison Park and a trip to Southampton in between those games, the Toffees do not have the easiest run-in, but midfielder Ross Barkley has backed his side to make a perfect end to the campaign.
Doing so would see them finish in the top four, and with Arsenal not in league action this weekend due to FA Cup commitments, they could get a taster of being in the Champions League places with a win, or even a draw, on Saturday.
Things have certainly improved for Everton on the road having won their last two away games after a run of five without a victory from the start of 2014. Six goals in those last two matches will give them confidence that they can find the net against a team with the third-worst defensive record in the league.
However, the visitors will be well aware that Sunderland have already shocked them once this season. The Black Cats edged to a 1-0 victory on Boxing Day, becoming the only team to beat Everton at Goodison Park in their last 25 league matches there.
Further cause for caution from Everton is their growing injury list, with Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar, Ross Barkley, Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman all doubts alongside the long-term absentees Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone and Lacina Traore.
Recent form
Sunderland: LDLLLL
Everton: LWWWWW
Possible starting lineups
Sunderland: Mannone; Cuellar, O'Shea, Vergini; Bardsley, Colback, Cattermole, Ki, Alonso; Wickham, Borini
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Naismith, Osman, Mirallas; Lukaku
Sports Mole says: 1-3
No Data Analysis info
