Sunderland vs Stoke preview: Jermain Defoe and Black Cats hoping to build on surprise Palace win

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at The Britannia Stadium

Jermain Defoe steals in for the winner as Scott Dann, left, is caught out

It’s a big game for…

Jermain Defoe: The ex-England striker scored a much-needed winner against Crystal Palace last weekend, and must continue to make his goals count if he is to aid Sunderland in their desperate scramble out of the relegation zone.

Weird stat…

5: The red-and-white battles for the North have been very physical occasions of late. In their last six meetings, there have been at least five yellow cards dished out during the game, including two second yellows.

Remember when…

Charlie Adam thumped one in: The Scot did what he does best in this league match back in 2013 to give Stoke the lead in this 2-0 win. He’s netted three times in his last five games against the Black Cats, and you can be sure he’ll be aiming to make it four out of six this weekend.

Player to watch…

Jack Rodwell: The former Everton ace has only started three games this season, but has made five further appearances as an impact substitute, and could well do the same against Stoke to inject a little pace into the second half.

Past three-meetings…

Stoke (Adam) 1 – 1 Sunderland (Wickham), Premier League, April 2015

Sunderland 3 (Wickham, Fletcher x2) – 1 Stoke (Adam), Premier League, October 2015

Sunderland 1 (Altidore) – 2 Stoke (Muniesa x2)

Form guide…

Sunderland:DLWLLW

Stoke City: WWLDWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF: 3pm

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day , BBC1, 10.20pm