Sunderland are currently sat at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Owen Hargreaves and Paul Ince have both backed Sunderland to survive in the Premier League this season, on BT Sport programme Premier League Tonight, which was broadcast on 4th February.
Sunderland have been stuck in a relegation battle all season, and at times they have looked doomed.
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The Black Cats are still sat at the bottom of the table, but their recent 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace has raised optimism levels around the Stadium of Light.
And both Hargreaves and Ince believe that David Moyes’ side will be safe of relegation in May, providing Jermain Defoe stays fit.
“Yes, they will survive,” Hargreaves said.
“As long as they have Jermain Defoe they have a chance. They are fighting against five teams. If they keep him fight, yes [they will survive]. If they don’t, they won’t,” Ince added.
Defoe has been Sunderland’s main goalscorer this season, and he hit the back of the net twice in the Wearsiders’ remarkable victory at Selhurst Park.
Sunderland are currently two points away from safety, with five other teams within touching distance.
Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Swansea City, Hull City and Crystal Palace are all fighting to stay up this term.
Sunderland are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Southampton.
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