"At this moment in time they're the best team in the league because they're top, but we're not giving up on anything - if we can play like I know we can, we're more than capable of beating them."
The Latics are going into the game as underdogs but are more than capable of getting a result.
Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy told Sky Sports:"A draw would be enough. We're not going there looking for a point because I think that would be a mistake on our part.
"We're going to try and win the game as we have done all season long. But I'm sure out of the two clubs, two sets of fans and two managers it would suit us better to have a draw."
Ipswich, who are level on points with the Latics, face Rotherham United at home and will be looking to take all three points from that game and keep the pressure up on the Latics.
Town skipper, Jason de Vos said: "Sunderland and my old club [Wigan] will both be hoping that we are going to drop away and leave them to claim the two automatic promotions places. But that is not going to happen.
"Rotherham will be a big test for us as they will be defending for all they are worth. They will not make life easy for us."