Mark Atkinson is aware of the task Watford will pose his side this weekend, but the under-18s boss is tipping his players to seize the moment in the FA Youth Cup.
Sunderland under-18s travel to Vicarage Road on Sunday, with a place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup up for grabs.
Standing in their way, though, are a Hornet’s side high in confidence after a good run which has seen them undefeated since October.
But Atkinson has dismissed the form guide, admitting anything can happen in 90 minutes of football – especially in a prestigious cup competition like this one.
And with the trip to Vicarage Road the Black Cats’ last opportunity to shine before Christmas, Atkinson is determined to end the calendar year on a high.
“We learned a lot last weekend with our second-half display about our game management,” he said.
“It was a cup game last weekend, we have another one this weekend, so we will take things from last Saturday’s match to Watford with us.
“It is a great game for us to be involved in.
“It is important for them because there is a big history behind the competition.
“They want to go far in it but there is of course added pressure with a match like this one.
“We are playing at a first-team ground and it is a one-off game, so we have got to make sure we are at our very best.
“We want to finish this first part of the season off on a high,” he continued.
“We are already through to the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup, but we want to get through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup as well.”