The Dutchman has nine games to try and turn things around at the Stadium of Light and if the side remain where they are in 17th at the end of the season, it is likely to be viewed as a job well done
Sunderland have failed to win in their last eight games, with a 3-1 FA Cup win at Fulham at the start of February the last time they tasted victory.
If there is anything that may provide encouragement for the visitors though it is that West Ham are on a similarly poor run.
Sam Allardyce’s side have lost their last three and have to go back to late January for their last win, 1-0 over Bristol City in the FA Cup. A 3-0 triumph over Hull a week prior to that is the Hammers’ most recent league win.
Team news
Carl Jenkinson is back in contention having been ineligible against parent club Arsenal last weekend but, while Carlton Cole is fit again following a hamstring problem, fellow strikers Andy Carroll (knee) and Enner Valencia (toe) remain sidelined.
New Sunderland head coach Advocaat has revealed winger Adam Johnson is available "in principle".
The 27-year-old midfielder returned to training earlier this week after a club suspension was lifted which had been imposed following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16, although Advocaat was not planning to make a decision on his inclusion or otherwise until after his final session.
Defender John O'Shea (knock) and Sebastian Larsson (ankle) are doubts, while fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole completes a two-match ban and Will Buckley (knee) and Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Opta facts
Sunderland have lost just one of their last seven Barclays Premier League games against West Ham (W3 D3 L1).
Jermain Defoe has scored four goals in his last five Premier League appearances against former club West Ham United.