Sunderland will be looking to secure an extremely vital three points tonight, with a home clash against promotion rivals Barnsley.

In perhaps the biggest game of the League One campaign thus far, the Black Cats take on the Tykes in a battle for the automatic promotion spots - and Jack Ross' men will be looking to bounce back from a 2-2 draw away at Walsall with a win in midweek.

The Wearside club find themselves sitting four points off table-toppers Portsmouth, and could slip out of the top two places tonight should Daniel Stendel's men leave the Stadium of Light with all three points.

This particular match won't define their season however, as there is still over half a season left to play - and Ross needs to be drawing up a list of January transfer targets to strengthen his side's promotion push.

With that being said, here, we take a look at three players that Sunderland should send scouts to watch in action tonight...

With a host of clubs interested in signing Black Cats' top goalscorer Josh Maja in January, Jack Ross should definitely send scouts to Grimsby Town to watch Tranmere's James Norwood in action.

The 28-year old is currently League Two's top goalscorer with 13 goals to his name, and he could be of real use to Sunderland.

If Maja wants to leave, then Sunderland should have a Plan B.

If the Black Cats are looking for a younger and perhaps riskier option than Norwood, then scouts should be sent to Leyton Orient against Aldershot tonight to watch Macauley Bonne in action.

The 23-year old is the National League’s top goalscorer with 16 goals in 21 appearances for the O’s this term.

Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Norwich City have all been linked with the striker’s signature, but there is no reason why Sunderland cannot lure Bonne to the club.

With George Honeyman attracting interest from Championship side Sheffield United, then Colchester’s Sammie Szmodics could be of interest to Sunderland.

The attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and three assists for the U’s this season, and could add to a glowing Black Cats attack.