Moyes retains survival hope

David Moyes believes Sunderland can still survive in the Premier League this season, despite their perilous position at the bottom of the table.

The Black Cats have become renowned for their survival exploits in recent seasons but, even by their own standards, the current predicament looks a forlorn task, as they are currently 12 points adrift of safety with just six matches left to play.

Moyes’ men are also without a win in their last eight top-flight games, but the former Manchester United and Everton boss is refusing to give up hope of the great escape, particularly if they can claim a positive result against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday.

“There’s still a chance and while there’s a chance, we’re going to try to take it,” the 54-year-old said. “That chance comes at Middlesbrough on Wednesday and we will try to take our chance.” Moyes believes a victory over Boro, coupled with another triumph against Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, would propel Sunderland back into the survival mix.

“If we can take our chance there, then we will have another chance against Bournemouth on Saturday,” he added. “We’re not stupid, but we are in there fighting and we still think we have got a good chance.”

Sunderland are priced at 3.40 to secure all three points against Boro, who are available at 2.25, while the draw is also on offer at 3.40.