This is why Doncaster Rovers remain worried about 'fantastic' Sunderland - despite their dire form

The Black Cats travel to the Keepmoat Stadium on the back of a winless run spanning nine games in all competitions, and have slipped down to 15th in League One after a dismal run of results.

But Moore – whose Doncaster side come into the clash following a comfortable win over high-flying Peterborough – is remaining guarded ahead of the clash on Sunday, December 29.

“We are just looking at the Sunderland game as an isolated fixture and we know they are a fantastic club with some wonderful players,” he said, speaking to the Yorkshire Post.

“We are going to have to be at our very best.

“They are one of the strong teams in the division, managed by a very experienced manager in Phil. It will be difficult and they ask questions of you.

“They are a strong team and a big football club at this level. It is another difficult fixture and every game in League One presents its own problems and you have got to be ready.”

Both teams were competing in the League One play-offs last season, but both have struggled for consistent results this term – despite being tipped to shine.

“Such is football and you can never predict it,” said Moore of Sunderland and Doncaster’s respective slides.

“We are all experts when we predict, but it never works out to what it is.”