Alex Neil knows Sunderland cannot afford any slip ups as they try to consolidate their play-off berth before the end of the campaign. The Black Cats occupy the final play-off spot, but the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Wycombe Wanderers are hot on their tails.
The Owls have a game in hand on the Wearsiders a know a point would move them above Sunderland and knock Neil's side out of the play-off picture. Securing a play-off berth remains very much in the Wearsiders' control.
The Black Cats still have to play Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle, two sides currently above them in the league table, and know that wins in those games would move them closer to their play-off aim. Sunderland have enjoyed somewhat of a mid-season renaissance under Neil, after a tough January period that saw them wave farewell to their automatic promotion aspirations.
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Sunderland now have a two week break as a result of the international break, and will host Gillingham at the Stadium of Light on April 2. Neil knows that his side must capitalise against sides below them in the table, with three of their final seven games against sides chasing promotion.
You can use our prediction widget below to plot whether Neil will be able to reignite Sunderland's promotion push or whether they will crumble away.
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