Defender travels to the North East to undergo medical with Di Canio's side.

With the season drawing to a close and survival finally looking likely, lets take a depressing saunter through the soul-crushing reality of it.

As if writing about tactics when following Sunderland wasn't difficult enough, Monday's visit of Stoke stretched capabilities to the limits. Surviving through several heart attacks and one of the most nervy games in recent memory, here's our view...

Sunderland couldn’t get the win which would have virtually guaranteed survival this season but given the circumstances a point at full time is much better than how things could have turned out after the first half.

Every week we recap and rate the performances of all Sunderland players involved and dish out some ratings and comment. For instant analysis on those in red and white today, here's our player ratings!

John O'Shea's second-half equaliser cancelled out Jonathan Walters' early goal, meaning Sunderland are still not out of the relegation shake up.

The teamsheets are in for tonight's crunch clash against Stoke City at The Stadium of Light. A win should see safety mere fingertips away, but Stoke won't be feeling quite safe yet either.

After not only failing to get any points from Villa Park last Monday, Sunderland now host Stoke City as the battle to secure safety intensifies.

With the end of the season in sight our tipping team have some serious work to do if they are to topple Luke from his spot at the top of our leaderboard