The Black Cats are on a 13-match unbeaten run heading into Friday’s first leg at the Stadium of Light, with over 40,000 tickets sold for the fixture on Wearside.
This is the third time in four seasons that Sunderland have ended up in the League One play-offs, yet their form going into the fixtures is much better compared to previous campaigns.
When asked how the team is feeling ahead of Friday’s match, Gooch, who has been at Sunderland since 2012, told the club’s website: “Confident. Obviously we’ve been on a good run to finish the season.
“It’s a bit different to other seasons when we have gone into the play-offs sort of petering out a little bit so we are looking forward to it.
“I think we have played some really good football at times as well and at this stage of the season it’s about results. These next two games are going to be the exact same.
“I’ve been desperate to achieve promotion out of this league for the club and hopefully we can get this one over the line.”
Check out the latest League One transfer speculation below...
1. Durrant on Owls radar
Blackburn Rovers youngster Sam Durrant is aiming to earn contract at Sheffield Wednesday for next season. (Lancashire Telegraph)
2. CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Jack Iredale of Cambridge United in action during the Papa John's Trophy match between Cambridge United and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at Abbey Stadium on September 21, 2021 in Cambridge, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Jack Iredale has rejected the offer of a new contract at Cambridge United and will become a free agent when his existing deal comes to an end. Bolton Wanderers are being linked with the player. (Official club website)
3. Bazunu set for City talks
Gavin Bazunu will hold talks with Manchester City to determine the next step in his development after his loan spell at League One Portsmouth came to an end. The Republic of Ireland international has admitted that he is ‘open to everything’. (Portsmouth FC TV)
4. Impact of Jackson exit discussed
Charlton Athletic owner Thomas Sandgaard has suggested he is confident a number of out-of-contract players will re-sign for the League One club despite Johnnie Jackson’s recent exit. (South London Press)