Sam Allardyce has targeted eight more points for Sunderland to survive but where will they come from?

If Sunderland are to stay up this season, then boss Sam Allardyce believes they will need a further eight points from their last five games.
Sunderland boss Sam AllardyceSunderland boss Sam Allardyce
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce

Last weekend's superb 3-0 win at Norwich City boosted Sunderland's survival hopes with the Black Cats now just a point behind the Canaries with a game in hand.

But games are running out fast and Allardyce believes his side still need at least two wins from their remaining fixtures.

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Speaking after the Norwich win, Allardyce said: "I’m only glad the lads handled the pressure and it’s given us, the fans, everyone hope that we can get out of trouble yet again.

"We’ve made life a little easier for ourselves, but there’s still a huge task ahead of us.

"While we all know that we can play a lot better than at Norwich, the only important thing from now on is trying to win football matches."

So, where will the eight points come from?

We take a look at the fixture list to pin-point where the Cats can pick up the points needed to survive.

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Sunderland v Arsenal (home), Sunday, April 24 (2.05pm kick-off):

Public opinion seems to be turning against long-standing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with thousands of empty seats in the stands at the Emirates Stadium for their midweek win over West Brom.

The win saw the Gunners climb a place to third in the Premier League as they battle with Manchester City and Manchester United to seal a Champions League spot next season.

But Sunderland have shown they are vulnerable in recent weeks - with points dropped against Crystal Palace and West Ham United

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Sunderland, fresh from their impressive win over Norwich, are more than capable of getting a result, with a point the most likely.

Prediction: Point

Stoke City v Sunderland (away), Saturday, April 30 (3pm kick-off):

Sunderland travel to the Britannia Stadium - for now, at least - a week on Saturday.

Stoke were comprehensively beaten by Spurs on Monday night and while the Cats don't pose the same attacking threat - or defensive strength - as Spurs, Sunderland are much improved under Sam Allardyce.

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And he will be keen for his side to put on a strong display against his old friend Mark Hughes' side. Last season Sunderland secured a point at Stoke on their way to Premier League survival.

Ninth in the table, Hughes' side have little to play so this will be a big opportunity for Sunderland.

Prediction: Narrow defeat.

Sunderland v Chelsea (home), Saturday, May 7 (3pm kick-off):

Chelsea have endured an horrendous defence of their Premier League title.

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They are currently 10th in the Premier League and with their chances of securing European football almost over, the Blues squad has nothing to play for.

New boss Antonio Conte joins in the summer and the players should be looking to make an impression.

But recent results - including back-to-back defeats against Swansea City and Manchester City - suggest they already have their flip-flops on ahead of their summer holidays.

This represents Sunderland's best chance of a home win from the remaining fixtures.

Prediction: Three points.

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Sunderland v Everton (home), Wednesday, 11 (7.45pm kick-off):

Everton could yet be playing in the FA Cup final.

If that is the case, then their players could have one eye on the final ahead of this game at the Stadium of Light.

That would play into Sunderland's hands, especially with the Toffees having nothing to play for in the Premier League.

They are 11th currently after a dismal season by their standards.

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And with Sunderland scrapping for their lives, Everton could cave again.

Prediction: Three points.

Watford v Sunderland (away), Sunday, May 15 (3pm kick-off):

Watford came flying out of the blocks but their form has dipped since.

The Hornets could also be in the FA Cup final come the end of the campaign, which again would play into the hands of Sunderland.

With little riding on this game for Watford, their players would probably have one eye on the final.

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Sunderland's fate could - of course - already be sealed by the time the final day of the Premier League season comes round.

But if they still need a result heading into the final day so a game against mid-table opposition would suit. On paper, at least.

Either way, a tension-filled final few weeks of the season await.

Prediction: Point.

Sunderland are battling with Norwich City and Newcastle United for Premier League survival, with Aston Villa already relegated to the Championship.

Newcastle United fixtures:

Liverpool (away): Saturday, April 23.

Crystal Palace (home): Saturday, April 30.

Aston Villa (away): Saturday, May 7.

Tottenham Hotspur (home): Sunday, May 15.

Norwich City fixtures:

Arsenal (away): Saturday, April 30.

Manchester United (home): Saturday, May 7.

Watford (home): Wednesday, May 11.

Everton (away): Sunday, May 15.