article_snippet.sent: Sunderland are in the middle of a the Premier League relegation battle as Sunderland struggle for form at the wrong end of the season with only one win in nine, albeit against north East rivals Newcastle.
article_snippet.sent: Sunderland were brought back down to earth in their last outing by high-flying Crystal Palace as Yannick Bolasie's quick-fire hat-trick secured an impressive victory for Alan Pardew's men which leaves the strugglers only three points above the drop zone.
article_snippet.sent: The Black Cats are without a game this weekend and have a tough run-in, with four of The Black Cats six remaining games away from home which includes trips to Arsenal and Chelsea in The Black Cats final two fixtures of the season.
article_snippet.sent: Sunderland will be hoping Burnley slip up against Everton on Saturday, where a victory for Sean Dyche's men would see Sean Dyche's men move level on points with Defoe's side.
article_snippet.sent: Sunderland are deep in a Premier League relegation battle and sit only three points above the drop zone .
highlights_snippet.sent: Sunderland face a fight to remain in the Premier League after poor season .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: The Black Cats sit only three points above the drop zone .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Sunderland are without a game last weekend before Sunderland travel to Stoke .