Sunderland v Wolves preview: Now is the time for Vitor Pereira's side to come good

Sitting bottom of the Premier League, with two points and no wins after seven games, Vitor Pereira's side will have to turn the tide at some point.

Those two points have been earned in the last two games as Wolves came within minutes of beating both Spurs and Brighton but ultimately conceded late equalisers.

It ended the run of defeats and showcased improved performances, but that elusive first win still hangs over them.

Having already lost 3-1 to newly-promoted Leeds in September, Wolves face their biggest match of the season so far with a trip to Sunderland, knowing they must continue to get better, create some consistency and harness some momentum.

Ironically, next week's home clash against Burnley probably trumps this Sunderland test as the biggest fixture so far, but next up Wolves face the Black Cats and they have to maintain some form.

Regis Le Bris' team sit ninth in the table, having won three and drawn two of their seven matches, in an impressive start to the campaign.

That, alongside the club's return to the top flight, has resulted in some intimidating and intense atmospheres at the Stadium of Light.

Wolves' challenge will be to stand up to that atmosphere, puff their chests out and put on a performance worthy of a result.

Pereira's side have not shown that character in previous matches earlier this season, but recent improvements in the attitude and application of the players has shown a glimmer of hope.

But taking that into Saturday's game in the North East and getting a result is another matter entirely - that is Wolves' challenge.

Pereira's initial challenge will be getting his team selection right following an international break in which several important members of his squad flew halfway around the world.

Against Newcastle last month - the next match following the last international break - the head coach shocked us all by making five changes and switching formation, citing the international break and lack of training time with his players.

Logic tells us Pereira may go down the same route again, but in the last three matches in all competitions he has stuck with almost the same XI in a back four, putting trust in the side and system that was putting in improved displays.

As a result, Pereira may be wise to stay as close as possible to that XI - depending on the condition players return in from internationals - in order to get the best out of his side.

If an attacking change is to be made, taking Hwang Hee-chan out is an obvious one. He has worked hard but lacked quality in the final third, while players like Fer Lopez are desperate for an opportunity. The Spaniard is still adapting to the Premier League, however, and it would be a risk to throw him into a game away at Sunderland.

Despite that, Pereira has offered surprises this season and proved he is not afraid of brave and bold decisions.

Matt Doherty is likely to miss out as he recovers from surgery on a broken wrist and unless there are any more injury concerns, another senior player will have to be omitted. That could be either David Moller Wolfe or Ki-Jana Hoever, who are seemingly out of favour as it stands.