Sunderland – Bournemouth

Sunderland host Bournemouth in what promises to be a tight contest between two clubs languishing in the lower half of the table. The Black Cats sit 14th with four points from one win, one draw and two defeats, having scored three and conceded five, while the Cherries occupy 15th place with three points from three stalemates and a single loss, boasting six goals but allowing seven. Both sides will be eager to claw the vital three points that could lift them out of the relegation‑watch zone, especially given their almost identical goal differences. Historically the two have exchanged blows in a fairly balanced head‑to‑head, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a match that could prove decisive for their survival hopes.