Harry Redknapp has urged Queens Park Rangers to secure their first back-to-back Premier League wins since returning to the top flight at Loftus Road on Saturday.
The Hoops face Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland side fresh from an impressive 2-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s last weekend, which was just their second win of 2013.
Redknapp’s side have now moved to within four points of 17th-placed Wigan Athletic – and the 66-year-old is desperate for QPR to back up their Saints triumph by beating the Black Cats.
“It was massive but it will only count for anything if we can get a win on Saturday,” said Redknapp.
“Back-to-back wins is something that we’ve never done so it’s about time we did that here. If we can do that, it would put us right back in the picture.”
Confidence is building in the Hoops camp following their exploits on the south coast last Saturday, and the west London side now have the chance to gain further momentum with victory over Sunderland.
Redknapp insists he has always been optimistic QPR could steer clear of danger, adding that even his side’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the final game of 2012 failed to dent his positive mindset.
“I’ve been optimistic all along,” he added. “Even after we got beaten by Liverpool, I still felt we would stay up.
“Nothing has changed my opinion. I still feel the same way. The players have been bright and great in training on the back of that Southampton result.
“It’s a massive game for us and three points tomorrow would make such a difference.”
Aston Villa make the trip to Reading on Saturday as 18th face 19th at the Madejski Stadium, and Redknapp is hoping their fellow relegation rivals share the spoils.
“The draw would be the ideal result [between Reading and Villa] if we can get three points,” he added.