Gus Poyet marks his debut as Sunderland manager with a tough encounter at Swansea City in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Sunderland, rooted to the bottom of the table, have looked towards former Chelsea and Tottenham man Poyet to help them climb out of the relegation mire.
Poyet did quite well as manager of Championship club Brighton and the Uruguayan will now look to step up another level as he looks to steady the sinking ship at Sunderland.
It will not be easy as Sunderland comes up against a Swansea side desperate for points after their own underwhelming start to the Premier League season having picked up just seven points from seven games - albeit still six points more than their opponents on Saturday.
Poyet is looking forward to locking horns with good friend Michael Laudrup and wants his side to eventually play like Swansea do, with their possession-based, free-flowing, attacking football.
"I'm looking forward to it," Poyet said. "First I suffered against him (Laudrup) more than play against him because he was outstandingly gifted, he was an incredible football player.
"You can see now that he is trying to impose that quality that he had naturally on his team. They did something unique last year for a team like Swansea by winning the cup and being in Europe.
"They keep progressing, it's a club that is going in the right direction and has been for many years. Michael had added something to that team to make them winners and I think it's always nice to see people like Michael in the football life.
"We know Swansea have been playing the same kind of football for many, many years now. They know how to do it, they know how to keep the ball, they are very strong at home but there is plenty of things that we need to look after first.
"Unfortunately, right now we really need to pay attention to ourselves. First we need to start doing the right things; not conceding goals, keeping the ball better, creating chances- winning football games really."
Sunderland have played quite well in their last two games, but have been a little unlucky to lose to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. The Black Cats will hope the addition of Poyet will lift the players to another level, which will bring with it the all-important results.
Team News: Sunderland are without goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Wes Brown, but Poyet could welcome back Steven Fletcher, after the striker missed almost a month with a shoulder problem.
Ashley Williams (ankle) and Ben Davies have been ruled out for Swansea, but midfielders Jonathan De Guzman and Pablo Hernandez are expected to feature.
Key men: Sunderland: If Fletcher plays a part, then it will be a huge boost for Poyet, because the Scottish international has the knack of scoring goals from the slightest of chances.
Swansea: Michu will still be buzzing from a call-up to the Spain national team and the forward will be determined to prove to Vicente Del Bosque that he belongs at that level, with an assured (read goal/assist-filled) performance against Sunderland.
Where to watch
The game is scheduled for a 7.30 p.m. (IST) start with no love telecast. You can catch the match live online by clicking the official link HERE.
Expected lineups: Swansea: Vorm; Rangel, Amat, Flores, Taylor; Canas; De Guzman; Dyer, Michu, Routledge; Bony.
Sunderland: Mannone; Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Colback; Larsson, Cattermole, Vaughan, Johnson; Giaccherini; Fletcher.
Prediction: 1-1
