Burnley will need to be on their mettle when David Moyes and his Black Cats arrive at Turf Moor for a vital New Year's Eve Premier League clash.
The word on Wearside is that this game is regarded as yet another "six pointer" for a struggling Sunderland side who will be without young England shot stopper Jordan Pickford.
Pickford has been consistently earning rave reviews for his performances between the sticks for Sunderland this season but an injury is expected to keep him out for the next six weeks.
Burnley are firm favourites with the bookmakers to win this game. Six home wins for the Clarets already this season has provided the foundation for a serious chance to keep away from the dreaded end of season Premier League drop zone.
Jermaine Defoe always poses a serious goal threat and England hopefuls Michael Keane and Ben Mee will need to maintain their current form to keep the veteran hitman away from Tom Heaton's goal.
Burnley will be hoping for last season's leading goal scorer Andre Gray to continue his recent improved form. An eightieth minute strike earned the Clarets a narrow 1-0 home win against the Roker rivals Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.
Jeff Hendrick will be unavailable for Sean Dyche's selection following a fifth yellow card picked up in the Boxing Day clash but is set to return against Manchester City at the Etihad on January 2nd.
Hendrick's midfield partner in crime Dean Marney is looking at a late fitness test and Belgium international Steven Defour should get a starting berth as the Clarets look to record a seventh home win and end 2016 on a high note.
I expect the Clarets to line up in their favoured 4-4-2 formation:
Heaton, Flanagan, Keane, Mee, Ward, Gudmundsson, Marney (or Arfield), Defour, Boyd, Barnes, Gray (TEC).
Source: DSG
