But what are those in the thick of the battle saying about the race for a spot in the Championship?
Scroll down and click through the pages as we round-up how Sunderland and their rivals are viewing the promotion race as we enter the final few weeks of a dramatic season:
9. Ipswich Town - Paul Lambert
“We have to win most of the games to give us any sort of chance to get in the play-offs, but you never quit and you never give in. When adversity hits you have to get through it.” Photo: Lewis Storey
10. Doncaster Rovers - Darren Moore
“Other people are the ones talking about the stats but for us it's been all about the next game. That is all the players have been focusing on really.” Photo: Lewis Storey
11. Gillingham - Paul Raynor
“It is going to be a big ask, but we will keep going. One thing we can never say about the players is that there is a lack of effort.” Photo: Pete Norton
12. Burton Albion - Nigel Clough
“We’re not out of it, because of what we’re capable of. We showed over Christmas and going into January that we’re capable of putting a run together, winning four out of five, and we have to do that now.” Photo: Clive Mason