In recent weeks, the top of League One has become extremely compact as each team has had spells of poor form. Sunderland have been one of the more consistent teams but they know that battle for play-off places is so keenly fought that one slip could cost them dearly.
The Black Cats played out a 0-0 draw with fellow top-six chasers Plymouth Argyle on Monday, meaning they would find themselves outside the play-off places if Sheffield Wednesday picked up three points against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday evening. Darren Moore's side duly obliged, winning 1-0, courtesy of a Lee Gregory penalty.
That leaves Alex Neil's side in seventh place, behind Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference and only two points behind their most recent opponents, Plymouth. However, Sunderland have a game-in-hand over both those teams, meaning that a win could see them rise to fifth in the division.
