Roy Keane is convinced the relegation scrap will go down to the wire and he feels home form will be crucial.

Sunderland's solid form at The Stadium of Light is in stark contrast to their record on the road, as no wins from 15 away trips is the reason why The Black Cats are just two points above the drop zone.

Keane's men face tough home meetings with Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks and the Irishman expects the fight to go down to the final bell.

"The games coming up at home are crucial but then all the games in this league are important," Keane told the club's official website.

"I expect this battle to go right to the end. We've got to stay strong and keep believing, we're in there fighting.

"Our home form has been decent and with our fans behind us I'm sure we'll give anyone a game. It won't be for the lack of trying."