Sunderland manager David Moyes is hopeful that his side can peak at the right time just as former club Manchester United have done over the years.

Following a difficult campaign, Sunderland are currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with 19 points from 27 matches and the Black Cats desperately need to go on a strong run from now till the end of the season in order to avoid relegation.

Moyes remains optimistic despite his club's current predicament though and the Scotsman is hopeful that his players can use United-like timing to peak at the right moment to successfully navigate away from the drop zone.

As reported by Sunderland's official website, Moyes said: "This is the time of the season you need your players to come into form and show what they are capable of.

"Players at the top peak at the right time to win leagues or win cups and Manchester United had a great habit under Sir Alex of timing that well.

"I think Sunderland have got that great habit of timing it well so that they aren't relegated.

"We don't want to be in this position but we are here and need to use every bit of experience we have to get out of it."

The Black Cats next meet Burnley at home next weekend as their schedule match for Saturday against Middlesbrough has been postponed due to Boro's FA Cup obligations.