Former Sunderland defender, Danny Higginbotham has weighed in with his verdict on Jack Ross' side's chances against Scunthorpe this weekend.
The Black Cats comes into this one in 3rd place in the League One table, and face a tricky fixture against a Scunthorpe side that are in a good run of form of late.
In an exclusive interview with FLW's Jacob Potter, Higginbotham feels that there is always going to be a high expectation level at the club, after their recent demise has sen them slip into the third tier of English football.
"With Sunderland, they’re a massive football club, I was there when they were in the Premier League and the expectation levels will be high as well. I don’t think there’s any question of that whatsoever.
The pundit also insisted that all of the pressure is on Sunderland in their game against Scunthorpe this weekend, despite the home side being in an impressive run of form themselves.
"With Scunthorpe, they are doing well, and it will be a big test for Sunderland. Every game Sunderland go into, they will be expected to win and that in itself brings pressure.
"But we’re now at the time in the season where you look at who can kick on this season, and Sunderland are certainly in there."
Higginbotham thinks they should be full of confidence on building on some impressive recent results, as they target an immediate return to the Championship following last year's relegation.
"It’s a game they have to go and stamp their authority on it and really go and get the three points.
"They’ll be wanting to put the pressure on the two teams above them in the league table.
"Sunderland have travelled well this season, and they will be full of confidence, but they are playing a team that are playing well themselves."
It's sure to be an interesting game, where a win for Sunderland would send out a real statement to their promotion rivals at this stage of the season.