On-song Sunderland take on Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday evening as they look to consolidate their lofty position in the Premier League table.
Sitting comfortably in the European places, the Black Cats are enjoying an excellent start to the new campaign.
Manager Steve Bruce is managing to construct a decent side together on Wearside and Ghana international striker Asamoah Gyan is starting to shine.
He has struck four times in his last three games giving off an indication he is ready to crack it in England’s top-flight since making a summer switch from French side Rennes.
With England international Darren Bent out injured, the Black Stars sensation has certainly filled the void effectively.
Bruce will have been further buoyed with the progress of his team after on-song midfielder Jordan Henderson made his Three Lions debut in Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to France at Wembley.
With Lee Cattermole, Michael Turner, Nedum Onuoha and Danny Welbeck also impressing, another success should be on the cards at the start of the new week.
However, Everton head coach David Moyes will be keen to help his side improve their disappointing away record to date.
They have claimed just one victory on the road, this coming at Birmingham City last month, but with three draws and two losses see them struggling in 13th position.
The Scot invariably gets results from talismanic midfielder Tim Cahill and his bulldozing runs from deep have so often proved fruitful. He will be dreaming of much of the same from the classy Australian.
Sunderland go into this one full of confidence after collecting seven points from a possible nine.
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Following their disastrous 5-1 humbling at fierce rivals Newcastle United on October 31, they beat Stoke City 2-0, drew 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur and majestically thumped champions Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Everton, on the other hand, are without a win in three. Back-to-back draws with Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool at the beginning of the month slowed their progress before they fell to a narrow 2-1 home loss against Arsenal on Sunday.
This setback ended their decent six-game unbeaten run and they will be keen to start a decent stretch again in the north east on Monday.
In last season’s clash at Sunderland, the points were shared on Boxing Day.
The hosts went ahead in the opening quarter when Bent headed Kenwyne Jones’ excellent centre past Tim Howard.
With time running out, Tony Hibbert’s ball found Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini and he fired an unstoppable drive past the helpless Marton Fulop to tie things up in the 84th minute.
