Tranmere Rovers manager Keith Hill believes their EFL Trophy run has created a "winning culture" in Birkenhead this season.
Much like Sunderland - their opponents come into the Papa John's Trophy clash in fine form.
Hill's side have won four of their last five league games and insists that his side are fully prepared to take on the Black Cats.
Speaking to Tranmere's official website, he said: “The Papa John’s Trophy has allowed us to take those performances into our league form, and it has been important to create a winning culture and strive for a winning environment.
“We’ve had the training ground practice. We’ve had the trust and belief in a group of players, you have got to be brave, and we have been brave, in the competition.
“I work with these players day in, day out, I trust them to interpret tactically what we want to do against any opposition.
“From a confidence point of view, it’s brilliant knowing that we can win games against any opposition and we are confident with due respect to Sunderland, they are an excellent side who have got an excellent manager.
“We have got to show desire, determination and effort, and those characteristics and you’re preparing your team to win a football match, and that’s preparing the players, working with them, and building relationships.
“It’s about preparing the team for the opposition tactically and supporting the players, but when you get to the Final, you have to be ready.”
