Sunderland's paradox - San Siro trip amid relegation battle

When Sunderland were handed a trip to the San Siro to face AC Milan in the Europa League, they must have been relishing the chance to rub shoulders with such heavyweights.

Yet by the time they travel to Italy to take on the Serie A giants on 10 December, they may be more concerned about the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest that comes just three days later.

That is because last season's surprise package following promotion are now one of this campaign's strugglers.

They may be mixing it with illustrious big guns in Europe, but they are staring down the barrel of a relegation fight on the domestic front.