Sunderland vs. Southampton: Preview and TV schedule

In a bizarre turn of midweek events Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese's departure threatened to bring the whole club tumbling down like a house of cards, though after manager Mauricio Pochettino pledged to stay, the focus should now be back on the football.

The Saints travel to Sunderland for Saturday's early kickoff, looking to pick up where they left off in their 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last weekend. However, they've only won away from home once since September, meaning Gus Poyet's side could make life difficult.

Sunderland are currently ten places below Southampton and are still struggling in the bottom three. However they knocked four past an abysmal Fulham last time out, and have proven to be pretty stubborn at the Stadium of Light so far this season -- just ask Manchester City and Chelsea.

What's more, they look like they'll only be without goalkeeper Keiren Westwood through injury, though Southampton are without a couple of key first teamers. Victor Wanyama still hasn't recovered from his leg injury, while this is the final game of Pablo Osvaldo's suspension.

Sunderland: Vito Mannone; Marcos Alonso, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Phil Bardsley; Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole. Ki Sung-Yueng; Fabio Borini, Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson.