Sunderland will host Cardiff on Saturday with the opportunity to move into the top 10 of the Championship standings with kickoff at 6 pm.
After losing their last seven games, Sunderland has dropped out of contention for a playoff place.
However, they have since responded by earning four points on their travels against Luton Town and Huddersfield Town.
In sharp contrast to conceding four second-half goals against Burnley, the Black Cats have responded with two strong showings after the break, particularly at Luton, as they came from behind to earn a share of the spoils.
Injuries to key forwards have undoubtedly hindered Sunderland and manager Tony Mowbray, yet they have only failed to net in one of their last six outings.
Cardiff caretaker boss Mark Hudson has acknowledged that discussions have been held with the club’s hierarchy regarding remaining in the role of manager permanently.
However, the Bluebirds have lost four of their last five matches, the latest defeat coming at home to Watford on Wednesday night after initially taking an early lead.
With 10 points coming from his eight matches in charge, Hudson can be satisfied with a respectable return.
However, Cardiff also possesses the joint-worst attacking record in the division, and it remains that none of their squad has netted more than two goals all season.
Sunderland vs Cardiff Head to Head
Both sides have six games against each other, with the hosts taking two wins while the visitors with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Huddersfield 0-2 Sunderland
- Luton 1-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 2-4 Burnley
- Blackburn 2-0 Sunderland
Away
- Cardiff 1-2 Watford
- Cardiff 1-0 Rotherham
- Swansea 2-0 Cardiff
- QPR 3-0 Cardiff
Sunderland Team News
After proving his fitness during two substitute appearances, Simms appears in line to earn a recall to the Sunderland attack. Although Jack Clarke is expected to return to the starting lineup after his one-match ban, Alex Pritchard impressed in his place at Huddersfield.
Cardiff City Team News
Manager Neil Warnock may prefer freshening up his starting line-up in midfield and the final third. Romaine Sawyers and Sheyi Ojo are both pushing for recalls, and Kion Etete hopes to finally be given his first Championship start after nine substitute appearances.
Prediction and Odds
Sunderland has had trouble scoring lately, so one goal may be enough for the Black Cats to emerge victorious.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- First Half: 0-0
