Jermain Defoe has urged his team-mates to step up to the plate and win when they take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday evening (KO 7.45pm).
Just three points separate the sides in the Premier League table heading into the Wear-Tees match-up, and the Black Cats' 14-goal top scorer has demanded nothing less than three points.
A cauldron of noise awaits the players as 3,000 expectant members of the red and white army make the short trip south.
And speaking to safc.com, Defoe admitted it is now or never.
“It is a must-win game and it has been that way for a number of weeks now, but it isn’t an easy game, away from home against our neighbours.
“It is tough, especially when you have not been getting results, the confidence won’t be sky high but at the end of the day that is when you have to show your character - it is as simple as that.”
He continued: “We are all in this together and will be until the last game of the season.
“We have to try and win every game - that is all we can do - it won’t be easy but it is doable.
“You can’t get your head down, you have to go out there and believe you are going to win."