Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has admitted that his side's clash against West Bromwich Albion is a vital game for their push to remain in the Premier League.
The Black Cats sit just two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League following their defeat to Queens Park Rangers last time out, while pressure increased on the Uruguayan in light of their FA Cup exit at the hands of Bradford City.
However, Poyet is hopeful that his team can produce a performance and result similar to that which saw them beat Burnley 2-0 in January to ease their relegation worries.
"It is a great opportunity and a very important game," Poyet told the club's official website. "It is similar to the Burnley game and I hope that it is the same result, because the idea is to be mentally and physically strong and to be better technically.
"It is a game that we're really looking forward to playing but West Brom are now in a position where they know exactly what Tony Pulis wants.
"I think it is clear that they're very solid but they know they will get chances sooner or later, so it will be extremely difficult and we need to understand that although we may have the ball it doesn't mean that you're control."
Poyet wrote a letter to Sunderland fans urging for their continued support of him as the manager of the club.
