Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday taking on Watford at Vicarage Road (KO 3pm).
A stop-start period saw the Black Cats face just two games in the month of March, with a valiant display against Manchester City ending in defeat before a frustrating outing against Burnley ended goalless.
And with just ten games remaining, David Moyes has told his side there can be no ‘half measures’.
Saturday’s game against the Hornets represents the start of a decisive period for the Black Cats, with a trip to Vicarage Road preceding seismic clash against Leicester City on Tuesday.
Points make prizes and Sunderland know that victory in both can bridge the gap to safety heading into the final run-in.
Watford, meanwhile, have work to do with Walter Mazzarri’s side just seven points clear of Hull City who occupy 18th heading into the weekend’s fixture list.
The Hornets are without a win since 4 February after falling to defeats against Manchester United, Southampton and Crystal Palace, with their last point coming against West Ham United over a month ago.
And with games against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City still to come, they’ll be desperate to pick up points sooner rather than later.
Back on Wearside, John O’Shea and Lamine Kone are both set to play after overcoming minor setbacks, with O’Shea needing stitches during the international break and Kone missing the draw against Burnley.
Lee Cattermole has returned to training but it remains to be seen if he will play at Vicarage Road, with Victor Anichebe also closing in on a return to action.
Watford midfielder Valon Behrami is doubtful with a muscle problem, and Christian Kabasele, Ben Watson, Roberto Pereyra and Mauro Zarate remain sidelined because of injury.
The last meeting between the two sides came in December as a solo effort from Patrick van Aanholt sealed a priceless win for Moyes’ men ahead of the festive period.
And it was party time when the red and white army last descended on Vicarage Road, as the Black Cats revelled in a successful battle for survival on the final day of the campaign.
Let’s hope they’re once again returning to Wearside with a spring in their step!
OTHER INFORMATION
Ticket information for Saturday’s game are sold out.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will also be ON AIR on safc.com from 2pm.