Former Sunderland striker Martin Smith has backed the team to "get lucky" and avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

The Black Cats are currently four points clear of the drop zone following a five-game winless run.

Gus Poyet's side are back in action on Saturday when they host fellow strugglers Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Despite doubts over the Mackems' playing style, Smith believes that they will do just about enough to keep their place in the top flight.

"I think they might get lucky again and that it will be the teams that came up that all go back down," he told Sky Sports News. "It might be the case that a low total will be enough to keep the team in the Premier League this season.

"They don't win enough games and it feels like they set themselves up not to lose and play for a draw rather than attacking teams. Obviously you're going to have to do that if you're playing sides in the top six but there needs to be a balance."

Sunderland's last result in the Premier League saw them fight back to claim a 1-1 draw with Hull City at the KC Stadium.