Things are not looking good for managerless Sunderland, who are currently rooted to the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table and facing the prospect of dropping into League One if things don’t improve.  

The Black Cats are yet to appoint Simon Grayson’s successor despite having the international break to make an appointment, and are set to enter Saturday’s clash against Millwall with Robbie Stockdale once again in the dugout.

Saturday’s clash at the Stadium of Light is already shaping up to be a must win for Sunderland, as relegation fears worsen.

With that in mind, our writers assess whether Sunderland are doomed if they lose to Millwall…

George Dagless

It'll be a huge blow.

One game at this stage still doesn't make a difference but the impact afterwards could be what really hurts them.

Millwall have been shoddy away from home this season and are looking to just survive this season so Sunderland have to win.

At the Stadium of Light, though, that's far easier said than done.

Sam Rourke

It would be a bitter-pill to swallow for Sunderland.

They really cannot afford to lose to a relegation rival like Millwall, as it would plunge them further away from escaping the relegation zone.

They aren't necessarily doomed if they lose, but it will knock their confidence considerably. 

Adam Simeoni  

Not doomed, but it won't look good.

The club are already in big trouble at this early stage of the season, and back-to-back relegations are a real possibility.

It looks unlikely a new manager will be installed by the match, and it could be another disappointing day for the Black Cats.

Millwall have to be considered a relegation rival, so this is certainly an early season six-pointer, and could make all the difference by May next year.

Chris Gallagher

It's a bit early in the season to call a game 'must-win' but this is as close as it gets.

Sunderland haven't won at home in 2017 and they missed a golden opportunity against Bolton last time out.

Now, potentially under new management, they have an equally presentable chance against Millwall.

Defeat would leave them 10 points behind the Londoners and extend the gloom around the club.

They need to stop the rot ASAP and Millwall at home is a game they'll expect a win from.