Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris believes that the ‘exciting’ challenge of facing Sheffield United can push his team to their limit.
The Black Cats have slipped back to fourth in the Championship after five successive draws.
But victory at Bramall Lane on Friday (20:00 GMT) would see them leapfrog their opponents, Burnley and Leeds United and go back to the top, at least ahead of Saturday’s fixtures.
“It’s a new scenario with new elements to master and a different style of team,” he told BBC Radio Newcastle. “We need strong opponents to grow up, and to find our limits, to push and to recognise that we are doing well.”
Despite their five draws, Sunderland are unbeaten in 10 league games now and continue to overachieve.
Now they face a Sheffield United side who have won their last seven matches at home, all without conceding a goal.
“We have a strong team, we can manage different scenarios and we are really excited by this new challenge and ready to go,” added Le Bris.
