The path becomes ever narrower. Sunderland's route to the play-offs - and, hopefully, promotion - is perilous and strewn with obstacles.
The international break meant that Sunderland had no match at the weekend, allowing Sheffield Wednesday to play their game in hand and climb into the top six at the Black Cats' expense, while Ipswich's win against Plymouth kept the Tractor Boys' faint hopes alive. With only seven games remaining, Alex Neil's side is one of seven realistic contenders for the four play-off spots.
At this stage, of that group, in-form MK Dons look a safe bet to occupy one of those places, and Plymouth are also in a strong position although they have played one game more than all-but one of their rivals. There is little to choose between Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland, and Wycombe, who are separated by only three points and have all played the same number of games, while Ipswich are the outsiders with ground to make up and - like Plymouth - one game fewer left to play.
