Sunderland are entering a critical phase of their League One campaign, with seven matches to come before the end of April.

It all starts this evening as they play Accrington Stanley, themselves needing points to pull away from the bottom of the table. No matches are straightforward and in a division where five points separates 23rd and 14th, there's plenty of teams with a lot to play for.

That means the Black Cats will face some motivated sides, mid table but still haunted by the possibility of dropping out of the division. It's going to be a brutal, bruising period with their whole squad called into action.

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After the EFL Trophy final defeat, Jack Ross will be looking to shuffle the pack slightly. Will Grigg may well miss out this evening and George Honeyman is suspended for one more match as well.

They will necessitate changes, but we've selected two alterations that Ross might like to consider if he wants to spring a surprise on John Coleman's side.

Here's two changes that might not have appeared obvious at first.

Kazaiah Sterling in for Will Grigg

The Spurs youngster has barely had a kick since coming in on loan, but could this be his time?

He's high energy and has a huge point to prove. Charlie Wyke has struggled for goals of late, maybe it's time to play the young forward instead?

Max Power in for Lee Cattermole

It could be either Cattermole or Leadbitter, but if Power were to come in he'd bring a certain fluidity to the Black Cats attack.

He can effortlessly slide further forward, but add the legs in front of the defence as well.