Burnley are looking to complete their first league double over Sunderland since 1972-73 on Monday night. However, these two promoted sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since the Clarets won 2-0 at Turf Moor in August.
Stuttering Sunderland still have records in their sights
Sunderland's fantastic first half of the season has been tempered by two defeats in three matches, as many as in their previous 13. Head coach Regis le Bris lamented last week's performance away to West Ham as being "too far from our standards"; Sunderland were, unusually, outfought – a 42.3% duel success rate was their lowest of the season.
Nonetheless, the Black Cats are yet to fall to consecutive league losses this season and are the only side in the division still unbeaten at home. Their 11-match run without defeat equals the longest by a promoted team from the start of a Premier League, set by Ipswich in 1992-93.
The only promoted side to have a longer unbeaten home spell at any stage of a Premier League season is Birmingham City, spanning 15 games in 2009-10.
Notwithstanding their current wobble, a Sunderland win on Monday would put them on course for one of the highest Premier League tallies by a promoted team in a 38-game season.
Battling Burnley falling behind
Ten points from safety before the weekend, Burnley's immediate return to the Championship looks inevitable. They're still fighting – drawing five of their past seven league matches – but have gone 14 without a win since October. The Clarets have only once endured a longer top-flight winless run: 19 games, which ended way back in 1890.
The 2-0 home win over Sunderland in August is one of only six league fixtures in which Burnley have led this season. Too often, Scott Parker's side have been left playing catch-up – they have trailed in 19 matches, drawing five and losing 14.
Tottenham's late equaliser last weekend was the seventh league goal conceded by Burnley in the 90th minute or later this season. It leaves Scott Parker with a record of 12 wins, 44 defeats and 55 points from his 75 Premier League matches as a manager – only Mick McCarthy had a worse record at the same stage.
