Kevin Phillips believes that tomorrow night is a "huge game" for Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson.

The pressure is starting to mount on Parkinson following a disappointing run of form of late.

The Black Cats have won only two of their last six games, and were held to yet another draw against Doncaster Rovers last week.

After failing to secure promotion for two years in a row, the hunger to do so will be greater than ever this season.

But heading into this weekend's clash with Fleetwood Town, Sunderland sit eighth in League One, one point off the play-offs.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kevin Phillips believes that tomorrow is a "huge game" for Parkinson, with the "pressure mounting" on the manager.

He said: "It certainly will not help his situation if they lose against Fleetwood, let’s put it that way.

“I am not going to say that he should be sacked but we all know the business, Phil included.

“It is a big game for Sunderland on Friday because of where both sides are in the league.

“It could have been so different at the weekend. If they held on for the three points it would have been a great result away from home.

Fleetwood sit one place above Sunderland, so a win tomorrow could see them extend the gap between themselves and the Black Cats.

The Verdict

Phillips is right. Sunderland cannot afford to keep losing games or dropping points when they need to push into the top-six.

Last season, they were there or thereabouts but dropped points really did cost them.

There is no margin for error in League One this season as it is such a competitive league, so tomorrow is looking like a must-win game.