Sunderland Echo writer Phil Smith has provided the lowdown on the Black Cats ahead of Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Brentford at the Stadium of Light (7.45pm kick-off GMT, live on Sky Sports).
Régis Le Bris' team defeated fellow top-flight side Hull City 1-0 to reach this stage of the competition, while the Bees have progressed in ties against Birmingham City and Reading.
Smith discusses Sunderland's start to the campaign across the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup and highlights Jules Ahoka as being a player to look out for.
It’s been just under two months since the last meeting between Brentford and Sunderland at Gtech Community Stadium. How have things gone since then?
In short, it has been very bumpy! Sunderland had their first European game in over 50 years at the Stadium of Light and beat a good AZ Alkmaar side. Either side of that, they lost to Arsenal and Man City, but put in decent performances and, on another day, could have got something from both games.
Since the international break, it has been disappointing, with two poor performances against Brighton and, in particular, Bournemouth before Saturday's goalless draw at home to Leeds.
Those two defeats have definitely knocked the mood and it is no wonder when you look at the table. There is plenty of football to be played, but definitely a lot of work to do.
League form aside, they have won two and drawn one in the Europa League. Is there a hope that results in European competition can help build momentum in the Premier League?
That is certainly the hope. Though, as with any team competing on multiple fronts, you are just crossing your fingers that injuries do not have too much of an impact.
Sunderland have already had key players missing big games so that is definitely a worry. At the same time, the three games have all been incredible experiences so far and ultimately, that is what it is all about.
With everything else they have going on currently, how much of a priority will progress in the Carabao Cup be?
Sunderland changed the entire starting line-up for their first game in the competition against Hull City and though they might not go that far this time around, there will definitely be a lot of rotation.
Ultimately, there is no getting past the fact that this competition is very much fourth out of four in terms of the priorities.
Which player should Brentford fans be keeping an eye out for on Wednesday?
Sunderland signed Jules Ahoka from Antwerp in the summer, despite the fact that he had not even reached double figures in terms of his senior appearances. He has been absolutely superb in all of his cup appearances so far.
He is a good defensive midfielder who gets about the pitch well and breaks up play, but he has also got a bit of presence in the penalty box and is good in the air. I think he is a really big prospect and I cannot wait to see him develop.
What should Keith Andrews’ side expect in terms of shape and style?
There will be a lot of changes, but Sunderland always play in a 4-3-3 of some variation.
They have been adapting their style a little bit over the last six months or so, so they tend to see a bit more of the ball and defend a bit higher up the pitch than they did when they first came into the Premier League.
What’s your score prediction?
It is very, very difficult to predict how these games are going to go when there is so much rotation. I am going to say 1-1 and a Sunderland win on penalties!