Sunderland need to show form that beat top clubs against fellow strugglers Cardiff

Sunderland's win at Chelsea last week and draw at Manchester City underlined their credentials against title contenders. Incredibly, of Sunderland's seven Premier League wins this season six have come against teams in the top 10.

The bottom team's problem is against the lesser lights, like today's visitors, second bottom Cardiff City. But Sunderland's Adam Johnson believes Cardiff's desparation for points will play into the home team's hands.

"I don't think Cardiff can come and just get a point against us like others have done at the Stadium of Light, so it could suit us," he said. "Norwich and Crystal Palace have come for a point and as long as we didn't score I don't think they particularly wanted to score either. I don't think Cardiff can come and play for a point."

Sunderland v Cardiff is live on Sky Sports 1 today, kick-off noon