DICK ADVOCAAT has demanded a much higher degree of intensity from his Sunderland players when they travel to Stoke City this weekend.

The Black Cats head coach has flagged up a lack of work-rate and defensive desire as key factors in his side’s second-half capitulation in their recent 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.

With last weekend’s results having taken Sunderland to within a point of the relegation zone, it is imperative Adovcaat’s players produce a much-improved performance when they travel to the Britannia Stadium in three days time.

Having seen off Southampton last weekend, Stoke’s players will head into Saturday’s game in a confident mood, and with this month’s win over Newcastle having proved Sunderland’s squad are capable of producing a high-intensity pressing style of play, Advocaat is calling for a repeat as he looks to guide his side clear of the bottom three.

“He (Advocaat) was disappointed with our team’s work-rate from the Crystal Palace game,” said full-back Billy Jones. “Defensively, as a team, we were very disappointed in the manner in which we conceded the goals and how quickly they came in succession.

“There was a big difference between the Crystal Palace and Newcastle games. We didn’t defend from the front to start with, winning first and second balls and individual battles and getting in people’s faces.

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“That’s the stuff which if you do more often than not, you generally go on to win the game. That’s the stuff he’s highlighted, and it’s what you’ll see in the Stoke game.”

Sunderland’s players endured a frustrating couple of days last weekend, with Arsenal’s involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals meaning their planned trip to the Emirates had to be rescheduled for the final week of the season.

While the Black Cats were not playing, Leicester recorded their third win in succession to close to within a point of safety and completely change the complexion of the relegation picture at the foot of the division.

Having performed so badly last time out, Advocaat’s men would have liked the chance to put things right quickly, but after some productive sessions on the training ground, Jones is confident Stoke will witness a strong reaction this weekend.

“On the back of a really disappointing result and team performance, you want your next game to come around quickly,” said the defender, in an interview with SAFCSee. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have that with the Arsenal game being rearranged.

“It’s been a long time, but we’ve put in some good work on the training ground and we’ll be looking to go to Stoke and get all three points.

“We were really disappointed after the (Crystal Palace) game, and it lingers for a few days to be honest. But you have to forget about it and move on. We’re optimistic going into the Stoke game, knowing it’s going to be a much-improved team performance and hopefully that will get us the three points.”

Sunderland have lost on five of their last seven visits to the Britannia Stadium, and if anything, Mark Hughes’ tactical alterations have made the Potters an even more challenging proposition this season.

Jones has been impressed with some of Stoke’s play this term, but insists his Sunderland team-mates have to concentrate on improving their own performance rather than worry about whatever the opposition have in store.

“Their style has changed under their new manager,” he said. “He’s brought success and like every team within this league, they’ve got talented players.

“With the work we’ve done, we’ll know of their threats and how to combat them. But it’s about what we do as a team and at this moment in time, we need to be going to a place like Stoke and getting something. We’ll put pressure on ourselves and go into it with optimism.”

* Sunderland season card holders who have renewed their seat for the 2015-16 season can bring family members and friends to the home game against Leicester City for £10.

The Black Cats host Leicester at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, May 16 in a game that could go a long way towards determining both sides' fate as they battle to avoid relegation.

Any season card holder who has renewed their seat for next season’s campaign will be able to buy two additional tickets at a discounted price of £10. Standard tickets start from £27 for adults, £23 for Over-65s and £12 for Under-16s.