Sunderland's four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League ground to a halt at Fulham last weekend so the Black Cats will be looking for a response when AFC Bournemouth come to the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris' men have defied the prophets of doom who tipped them for an instant return to the Championship, with Sunderland sitting eight points clear of the drop zone after 12 games.
They've lost just three times in the Premier League all season and only a late Raul Jimenez goal condemned them to defeat at Craven Cottage, with a cards bet landing for Slips Tips.
Sunderland remain unbeaten at home and even leaders Arsenal couldn't escape from the Stadium of Light with three points.
But Bournemouth certainly have enough talent in their squad to come out on top in this game, although the Cherries have hit a bump in the road after their own flying start to the season.
Having lost to Manchester City and Aston Villa, it looked like Andoni Iraola's men were set for a third successive defeat when they trailed 2-0 at home to West Ham.
But Bournemouth mounted a stirring comeback to claim a 2-2 draw and would have banked all three points had Alphonse Areola not made a series of fine saves.
How the bookies view it: Sunderland decent value at 21/10
I'm a little surprised to see Sunderland as big as 21/10 with Betway for the win, given they've been so strong at home this season.
AFC Bournemouth are 11/8 favourites at Betfred while the draw will be popular at 5/2 with BetMGM.
Recent head to head: Cats baring their claws
These sides have only faced off 10 times, with Sunderland on top with five victories and just two defeats.
They last played each other in season 2016/17, with Sunderland winning 2-1 on the south coast then losing 1-0 back at the Stadium of Light.
Players to watch: Le Fee spirit
Enzo Le Fee has been a shrewd signing for Sunderland and provides a creative spark in midfield. He likes a pop at goal and is 21/10 at Bet365 to score or assist. Le Fee is also 29/20 at BetMGM just to have an effort on target.
Evanilson has only scored once this season for Bournemouth but the Brazilian should lead their line again. His luck in front of goal has to turn at some point and he's 2/1 at BOYLE Sports for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Sunderland look set to be without Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Fuhr Hjelde, Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra again.
Antoine Semenyo was a big miss for Bournemouth last weekend and could miss out here too along with fellow winger Ben Gannon-Doak. But Justin Kluivert could make a return from injury.
Sunderland: Roefs, Ballard, Geertruida, Mandava, Mukiele, Hume, Sadiki, Le Fee, Xhaka, Brobbey, Traore.
AFC Bournemouth: Petrovic, Truffert, Cook, Senesi, Jimenez, Brooks, Scott, Adams, Tavernier, Kroupii, Evanilson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Sunderland have been strong at home this season, they've only kept two clean sheets in seven games at the Stadium of Light.
Bournemouth always play on the front foot so it bodes well for a decent game and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals pays 5/4 at William Hill.
The Cherries got 10 shots on target against West Ham in their last outing so I like the 6/5 on offer at Bet365 for Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs to make over 3.5 saves here.
The midfield battle should be tasty and backing Sunderland duo Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka to each commit a foul pays a decent 20/21 at Bet365.
GambleAware