Portsmouth will look to steer clear of the relegation zone as they make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday (15:00 GMT).
Pompey began the calendar year with an emphatic 4-0 win over Swansea that saw them escape the bottom three however this weekend's task is a tough prospect.
Sunderland also took a big victory over their promotion rivals Sheffield United on New Years Day to come within two points of an automatic promotion spot and five points shy of league leaders Leeds United.
The Black Cats eased into a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in August though they are only one of two sides in the top five to take all three points over the visitors this season (D3).