Sunderland are entering a critical period of their season, knowing that one slip now could cost them an entire year of hard work.

They're two points behind Daniel Stendel's Barnsley, holding a game in hand. However, as they host play-off hopefuls Doncaster Rovers, they're in for a tough afternoon.

Not least because Barnsley host Shrewsbury and could move five points clear before Sunderland kick off. Even worse for Jack Ross, Portsmouth could go above them with a result against Burton Albion. If Charlton beat Oxford in the day's opening fixture, they too will temporarily move above the Black Cats.

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It's getting very tight at the top, with few points between the sides and matches running out. The Wearsiders will need to be on top form and prepared for a real battle against Doncaster.

With injuries mounting, they could be forced into changes, but we think whoever is available this is the best XI to go for.

It's got to be 4-4-2 again as Sunderland need wins, not draws. Both Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg scored at the weekend against Coventry and both will surely start tomorrow.

The holding midfielders could be changed, with Lee Cattermole back in contention for the tie. We don't think Ross will make a hasty decision though, Grant Leadbitter has proven to be a leader and Max Power was also amongst the goals at the weekend.

On the flanks, in the absence of both Aiden McGeady and Lynden Gooch, it looks like George Honeyman and Lewis Morgan once more.

Despite conceding five at the weekend, little will change at the back. Jimmy Dunne could come in, but for such a crucial match Ross is likely to stick with Flanagan and Baldwin. Injuries indicate Bryan Oviedo will play, with Luke O'Nien making up the outfield players.