Huge ‘shock’ success is the target for Allardyce

Sam Allardyce is eyeing a “massive shock” against Leicester City tomorrow, as Sunderland bid to become only the fourth team this season to inflict defeat on the Premier League leaders.

The Foxes head to the Stadium of Light (1.30pm kickoff ) looking to preserve their seven-point lead at the top of the table after five wins from the last six games have left Claudio Ranieri’s men on the verge of a stunning title crown.

By stark contrast, Sunderland have only tasted victory once since January, with a run of four successive frustrating draws plunging the Black Cats back into the drop zone, four points adrift of safety.

But Allardyce believes Sunderland are capable of causing an upset, in a campaign which has been characterised by shock results.

“I hope we continue this extraordinary season in the Premier League by producing a big shock,” said Allardyce.

“Beating Leicester would be a massive shock across the Premier League because they’ve only lost three.

“Sunderland are struggling at the bottom of the league, so, on paper, at this moment of time, we’re the underdogs even though we’re playing at home.

“So can we produce another top-class performance with the result that we got against Manchester United?

“That’s what we’ve got to believe we can do. Sunday is one we’ve got to try to win.”

Despite fourth-bottom Norwich having the chance to open up a seven-point gap with Sunderland when they travel to Crystal Palace today, Allardyce would not necessarily begrudge a share of the spoils against Leicester.

But the Sunderland boss admits next Saturday’s clash at Norwich is a “must-win” regardless of what happens this weekend, as the Black Cats look to claw back the deficit with the Canaries.

“I would have to say that if we can’t win on Sunday, make sure we don’t lose because we all know that when Norwich comes around the week after, that is the one which is a mustwin for us,” he added.

“That is the one where three points would be more precious in any other fixture that we’re going into.”

Allardyce has no fresh injury worries, with long-term casualty Duncan Watmore the only absentee, albeit the forward is closing in on a return to full training after ankle ligament damage.