Sunderland might have two games in hand, but Jack Ross knows it’s only an advantage if his side collect three points this evening.
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Having enjoyed back-to-back victories in League One since their Checkatrade Trophy Final defeat last Sunday, Sunderland return to more familiar surroundings tonight looking for their fourth straight domestic win.
After moving level on points with second-place Barnsley on Saturday, a point would be enough for the Lads to move into the second automatic place, but Ross knows if Sunderland are to force home their advantage then victory is essential.
Speaking at his press conference on Monday, the Scot wasn’t afraid to ramp up the pressure on his players as he labelled the clash with Burton Albion as the biggest match of the season
“When we looked at the other teams with points on the board, for me they are in a better position,” he said.
“Irrespective of the number of games you have to earn points and those teams had done that.
“What we have done now is get ourselves in a good position and we have this advantage now in terms of having games to play.
“But it is only an advantage if we go and win. Tuesday evening is big for us. It becomes our most important game of the season.
“It sounds cliched, but it is the truth. Wednesday was our biggest game of the season, then it was Saturday, then it was Tuesday.
“That has got to be our mindset until we get to the stage where we have achieved what we want and we have games to spare,” he continued.
“The mentality of the group has to be like that, and I have no concerns as to where they are at. I think the whole squad have bought into that.
“I think they are excited about these final four weeks of the season. I don't sense any nervousness; it is more an anticipation of the games and relishing the challenge that they have.”
