Premier League preview: Sunderland v Blackburn

An injury-depleted Sunderland host Blackburn on Saturday confident of pushing their way back into the Premier League’s top six.

The Black Cats limped from the Stadium of Light following a 2-0 loss to Blackpool on Tuesday with hamstring injuries to defender Nedum Onuoha and 13-million-pound club-record signing Asamoah Gyan adding to a frustrating afternoon.

Manager Steve Bruce blamed the hectic Christmas schedule for the injuries, with the team having played three games in eight days ahead of their New Year’s Day date with Rovers.

Fixturing aside, Sunderland is in desperate need of goals against a Blackburn outfit riding high after their 3-1 away win over West Brom.

Bruce has backed Darren Bent to rediscover his goal-scoring touch, having not found the back of the net in the past five games.

“He has missed a few chances, but the good thing for me is that he kept getting in there and he kept getting the chances,” Bruce said after the Blackpool match.

“Let’s hope he gets the same amount on Saturday because if he does, I know for a fact he will finish two or three of them.”

Standing in Bent’s way will be Blackburn keeper Mark Bunn, who made his Premier League debut after replacing the injured Paul Robinson at half-time against West Brom.

While Robinson’s injury is a blow, Rovers could be boosted by the returns of midfielders Vince Grella (groin), Steven Nzonzi (hamstring) and Keith Andrews (groin).

But they will be without the suspended Michel Salgado after his fifth booking of the season and Nikola Kalinic, who scored twice in Tuesday’s win – Steve Kean’s first as caretaker coach.