Eight goals in eleven outings and two wins show a worrying trend for Ricky Sbragia’s Black Cats. The Sunderland boss knows that whilst his side lie a mere three points outside the relegation spots, Premier League survival is not guaranteed and finding the goal-scoring touch again will be vital if he is to spearhead another season of top flight football at the Stadium Of Light. "We create chances but we are just not clinical and ruthless enough," Sbragia said, "we are not a prolific goal scoring team and we have to address that….we have got to be more ruthless."

 

It is not surprising that the Mackems have been linked with several strikers with Stoke’s James Beattie the latest, should the Potters be relegated but securing safety themselves will be Sbragia’s main priority.

With up and coming away trips to Manchester City and West Ham United, stopping goals will be equally as important and the return of a fit Anton Ferdinand will be a massive boost. Having missed a couple of games thanks to a damaged hamstring, the defender will be hoping for a good performance against his old club.