Sunderland will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend when they take on promotion rivals Ipswich Town. 

Phil Parkinson's side were beaten by Portsmouth in their last outing, and they'll be hoping they can add to Ipswich's recent slump in form.

Ipswich have lost their last two league games, and will be eager to bounce back from a 4-1 home defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Ipswich, Phil Parkinson issued his thoughts on the Tractor Boys, and is well-aware of the threat that they will pose to his side at the weekend.

"Every game is huge from here on in and we need to be excited by that prospect. Ipswich started the season great but then had an indifferent run. Recently they have been up and down.

"They will be three at the back and we know they are a very competitive team."

"First of all, with games coming thick and fast, that is why we recruited players. If we take points off those around us that will be really important."

A win for Sunderland could see them move back into the play-off positions, as they look to make a timely return to the Championship this season under Parkinson's guidance.

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The Verdict: 

This is going to be a tough test for Sunderland this weekend.

Ipswich haven't been at their best in recent weeks, so all of the pressure will be on Phil Parkinson's side, which will make it a tricky fixture for the Black Cats.

Ipswich will have ambitions of winning promotion this season, so it's certain to be a closely-fought battle between the two sides at the Stadium of Light.

If Sunderland get back to their best though, I can't see Ipswich being able to handle Phil Parkinson's team at all.