Martin O'Neill recorded a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers in his first game in charge of Sunderland back in December.

However, the Black Cats will face a different Rovers side this evening.

Steve Kean's side have transformed themselves from looking like relegation certainties into a team that look capable of securing their Premier League status for another season.

Bradley Orr is expected to return for the home side following a hamstring injury, while David Dunn has recovered from an Achilles problem to take his place in the squad.

Unlike his opposite number Kean, O'Neill has a number of injury concerns with Phil Bardsley, Kieran Richardson, Wes Brown and Titus Bramble all expected to miss out.

Stephane Sessegnon will also be absent for the trip to Ewood Park as he serves the final match of his three-match suspension.

Victory for Rovers will take them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Current form:

Blackburn: LLWLDW
Sunderland: WWLLDW

Possible lineups:

Blackburn: Robinson; Martin Olsson, Hanley, Dann, Pedersen; Marcus Olsson, Lowe, N'Zonzi; Formica, Yakubu, Hoilett

Sunderland: Mignolet; O'Shea, Kyrgiakos, Turner, Bridge; Larsson, Gardner, Colback, McClean; Campbell, Bendtner

Sports Mole says: 2-1