Sunderland and Stoke are at risk of relegation and loss in this game will undoubtedly reflect quite negatively on the losing team. Sunderland is only 2 points above the relegation zone and the team will do everything possible to take full advantage of this home match. Sunderland has good statistics from the matches against this rival at home, as out of the last 4 the team has 3 wins.
What should raise concerns in the team of Stoke City is the fact that in the last 4 trips to the Stadium of Light, the team has failed to score even one goal. Stoke City has only two away wins in the Premier League this season and definitely it would be hard for them to get more than a point from this match.
However, the home side has a big problem, as Stéphane Sessegnon is suspended for this match and he is a player that creates many opportunities for his team. Nevertheless, Sunderland is obliged to take all three points of that meeting, unless the team wants to end up in the Championship next season.