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Sam Allardyce has challenged Sunderland to claim at least four points from their next five games.

The Wearsiders are second bottom of the Premier League, with one win and six points from 11 matches.

Although he has yet to assess what total his side will have to reach to survive relegation at the end of the season, the Black Cats boss is drawing up an escape plan set to be presented to his squad after the imminent international break.

And having focused initially on a target from his first eight fixtures in charge, Allardyce is aiming to be in double figures by the time they are completed.

“We broke down the first eight games,” said Allardyce.

“From our point of view, we’ve played three games and got three points, and got five games to go.

“At the end of that five games, we have to have better than double figures. That’s what I’m looking for.”

The first of those five games sees seventh-placed Southampton travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Following the international break, Sunderland then face trips to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, punctuated by home games against Stoke City and Watford.

Allardyce added: “I haven’t done a points target, in terms of what the total is that we’ll need.

“But I’m in the middle of doing a presentation for the lads on how to get to a safe position in the league and what it’ll take to get there.

“We’ll do that as soon as we can get it sorted out, but probably after the international break.

“It’s a far bigger demand than just finishing fourth bottom.”