Gary Megson has finally started to get things ticking over at the Reebok, having picking up seven points from Bolton's last three games.
Yet they remain in deep trouble and with a trip to title-chasing Chelsea to come in their final game of the season next week, victory today could be imperative.
Megson: "Everybody is part of what goes on at Bolton and every football club, so when the club is fighting for European qualification - it has happened twice in a long, long time - the club's supporters were a big part of that as well.
"We wouldn't be as rude as to suggest how they should behave because it is up to the players on the pitch to get the supporters involved.
"Then you get that momentum and get a good atmosphere, as has happened on quite a few occasions.
"It is a huge, huge game, one of the biggest that Bolton have ever had in their history and certainly the biggest this season.
"There is no point saying it is a cup final because it is not, but it is just a huge Premier League game.
"It will be a good atmosphere because of the support Sunderland take all over the country.
"From our own point of view, we have got to try to put that out of our minds and fully concentrate on the fact we need these three points."