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Matty Hewitt

Carlton Palmer lays out Sunderland’s path to the play-offs as race for top-six heats up

Carlton Palmer believes four points from Sunderland's last two Championship fixtures could be enough to guarantee themselves a spot in the top-six. The Black Cats have to take on fellow play-off hopefuls Preston North End and Chris Wilder's Watford in their final two games of the season.

West Brom could move back above Sunderland with a win over Sheffield United tonight, while Blackburn missed their chance following a 1-0 defeat to Burnley on Tuesday, but Palmer believes the Wearsiders have hit form at the right time. The Black Cats are one of eight teams vying it out for the final two play-off spots, with just four points separating Coventry City in fifth and Swansea City in 12th.

“Sunderland, after a poor run of form, have hit some great form now,” Palmer told Football League World. “Flying, three wins in their last four games, unbeaten in six.

READ MORE: Tony Mowbray on the crucial factor that could carry Sunderland all the way to the play-offs

“They play Watford and Preston North End in their final two games. Given the fixtures Millwall, Blackburn and WBA have, and Preston North End have, four points from their last two games could well see them secure a play-off place.”

The Black Cats know two wins in their final two games would put them in a brilliant place to nail down a play-off berth. Regardless of the results, this season will be the highest finish for the Wearsiders since they dropped out of the Premier League in 2017.

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