Well, Danny Mills' verdict is bleak for the Black Cats, we're moments away from finding out whether they can break that seven-game duck.

A win wouldn't go amiss either...

It's nearly time for kick-off at the Stadium of Light.

Danny Mills
Ex-England defender on Final Score

Image source, Getty Images

All teams rely on a focal point for goals, but Sunderland are so one-dimensional. Other than Jermain Defoe, what else do they offer? They have no funds, poor recruitment, and looking at the table I really cannot see them getting out of this.

A reminder of the teams...

Sunderland XI: Pickford, O'Shea, Denayer, Jones, Manquillo, Ndong, Gibson, Cattermole, Khazri, Defoe, Anichebe.

West Ham XI: Randolph, Masuaku, Byram, Collins, Fonte, Ayew, Kouyate, Fernandes, Snodgrass, Lanzini, Carroll.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It's a big game for us. Sunderland are desperate for a win and we are looking to win to secure or get closer to securing safety.

"Every win gives you a boost, especially after five defeats in a row. The confidence is back but the belief was permanent and we never lost it."

Sunderland manager David Moyes: "I think we have a good chance of winning the game.

"We have to try and cause them problems but they had a big result last week - and we need one this week."

Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator

It's now only the most optimistic Sunderland supporters who still believe their side will emerge successful from the latest of their annual battles to beat the drop.

Realistically, they will need to win at least five of their remaining seven games, having so far won only five of their first 31.

Offering those optimists a glimmer of hope is the fact that their run-in intriguingly includes games against five of the bottom seven, with West Ham the first.

The Hammers certainly relieved some of their own anxiety with their first win in eight against Swansea last weekend but will still feel that a top-10 finish, not simply safety, should be their target in the remaining weeks.

Wahbi Khazri makes his first Sunderland start since October, while John O'Shea captains the Black Cats on his return.

Javier Manquillo starts in place of Bryan Oviedo, while Sebastian Larsson is suspended and Lamine Kone drops to the bench

Image source, .

Andy Carroll captains West Ham in the absence of Mark Noble, while Edimilson Fernandes comes in for the injured Michail Antonio.

Image source, .

Let's have a look at the teams...

Right then, Sunderland fans know it's pretty much win or bust today, with the Black Cats in desperate need of points if they are to survive in the Premier League.

They'd be happy to just see a goal... David Moyes' side haven't scored in their past seven games, dating back to 4 February when they hammered Crystal Palace 4-0.

As for Slaven Bilic's West Ham, well they're looking to consolidate a mid-table position and put back-to-back victories together after beating Swansea last time out.