IF Sunderland plan to beat the drop, then much will depend on the goalscoring form of Tore Andre Flo and Kevin Phillips during the remainder of the season.
So far, Howard Wilkinson's little and large strike duo have failed to find the spark necessary to ignite a survival bid.
But on paper, at least, the pair would appear to have all the ingredients required to cause any defence a problem on their day.
Phillips is the genuine goal-sniffer of the partnership although his magic touch appears to have deserted him this season.
His equaliser in the Cup against Bolton last weekend was only his fourth goal of the campaign and he currently trails Flo in the goalscoring charts, who has six to his name so far.
One of Peter Reid's last acts as manager was to bring Flo in from Rangers for a £7 million fee with a view to him becoming the long-term successor to Niall Quinn.
But the giant Norwegian has yet to find his feet at The Stadium of Light and currently looks a long way off striking up the same rapport that Phillips enjoyed with Quinn.
Nevertheless, Rovers will still have to be on their guard tomorrow.
With injuries currently robbing manager Graeme Souness of Craig Short and Henning Berg, Andy Todd is again likely to partner Martin Taylor at the back after impressive displays against Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Another performance of similar stature in the North East would make him difficult to drop.
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