Sunderland looked virtually unstoppable until November - but the early-season front runners have now dropped to fourth place after failing to win any of their six games during the past month.
The Black Cats, who were beaten 1-0 by new leaders Sheffield United last weekend, need to rediscover the winning habit at home to Stoke City as they bid to make up ground.
Stoke, who are 14th in the table, began last month with successive wins against Derby and Blackburn but have since lost momentum, registering three consecutive draws prior to a 2-0 defeat against Burnley.