Fulham manager Marco Silva talked to the press ahead of Fulham’s trip to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have had a strong return to the Premier League and, having only lost once at home all season, Silva knows a tough challenge awaits his side on Sunday.
"We have to be at our best level. We were the better side against them at the Cottage (1-0 win, November), but they are a solid side and it's going to be tough.
“We should enjoy playing in these types of stadiums, it's a test to see how capable we are in these types of environments.
"We want to win. Our ambition is to go to a tough place and show quality. Fulham, at our best level, will be able to win the game.”
With just 12 Premier League games left to go, the importance of a strong finish isn’t lost on the boss.
"I really believe that the more you come to the final stages of the season, the more finals there are to play.
“All the points are crucial to fight for. Everything is more decisive. We have to be ready for it. Another challenge on Sunday.
“The fans are going to support the team and we want to make them proud. This is why we work hard.”
This trip comes after progressing in the Emirates FA Cup last week, with Silva’s side securing a 2-1 victory at Stoke City.
“The team responded very well against Stoke (from three Premier League defeats).
“For not one second is it the second team (when questioned on the 10 changes to the starting XI). We played a team that is capable to start a Premier League game. The players did an amazing job.”
The manager also provided an update on the current injury list in his squad.
“Saša Lukic and Tom Cairney are back training. For one of them, it will be too soon. Samuel Chukwueze is going to be out, he picked up a knock to his calf after the Manchester City game.”