Sunderland may have started the season slowly under Martin O'Neill, but in recent weeks they have pulled themselves away from relegation trouble.
They head into Tuesday's home encounter against Swansea City on a run of five victories from their last eight outings in the Premier League.
The Stadium of Light has not exactly been a fortress for the Black Cats so far this campaign though, having only achieved four wins from a possible 11.
Phil Bardsley could be recalled to the starting lineup following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, which in turn could mean that David Vaughan will drop down to the bench.
Meanwhile, League Cup finalists Swansea have impressed under the stewardship of Michael Laudrup over the last few months.
Michu is expected to continue as a lone centre-forward, with Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge offering the support to the Spaniard from wide areas.
The Swans have not beaten their hosts in their last four attempts - a run that dates all the way back to November 1982.
Recent form
Sunderland: WWLLWW
Swansea: DDWDDW
Possible starting lineups:
Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, O'Shea, Bramble, Kilgallon; McClean, Gardner, N'Diaye, Johnson; Sessegnon; Flethcer
Swansea: Vorm; Davies, Chico, Williams, Rangel; Britton, De Guzman, Ki; Dyer, Routledge; Michu
Sports Mole says: 2-2
Liam Apicella
