Blackburn's defeat by Millwall at the weekend ended a run of six consecutive victories in the Championship.
Sunderland are one place above John Eustace's side but are six points ahead of them prior to the midway point of the season.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in their past four league games coming into the trip to Ewood Park.
Blackburn have won three of their last five league games against Sunderland (L2), winning 5-1 in the most recent meeting in April.
Sunderland won 3-1 at Ewood Park in the Championship last season – they last won consecutive league visits to Blackburn in September 1975.