There's an interesting match-up in store in the North-East tonight, when Sunderland host West Ham.
The home side are fighting for survival in the Premier League under Gus Poyet, a boss we came across several times when he was with Brighton.
And while West Ham are mid-table, their manager Sam Allardyce, a former Town player, is under real pressure.
The Hammers faithful have taken a dislike to the tactics imposed by Big Sam, even if they have brought sufficient points to be almost sure of continued top-flight football in East London.
Last week there was the unusual situation of boos ringing out at the Boleyn Ground after a West Ham win over Hull.
Allardyce is a very experienced boss who has had his admirers at a number of clubs over the years and has been linked with the England job.
But he’s had a rocky ride at the Hammers, where the fans still like to think of their side playing a particular brand of football.
They also like a good cup run.
The Hammers did make the semi-finals of the Capital One, but were thumped in the first leg by Manchester City, making the second match a dead rubber.
And around the same time, the decision of Allardyce to ring the changes for the FA Cup third-round tie at Nottingham Forest didn’t go down well, especially after a 5-0 defeat.
The manager survived, but will he still be in the hot seat next season?
And will Sunderland still be in the Premier League or appearing on the Championship fixture list?
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