This is why there will be an extra edge to Sunderland training this week - and why Phil Parkinson won't mind players knocking on his door

However, we have played Steve Evans’ side three times already this season in league and cup without recording a single win.

So clearly Gillingham can’t be taken lightly but Sunderland simply must get back to winning ways or those top two places will be looking a long way off.

With Sunderland’s unbeaten run now ended, Phil Parkinson must be thinking of making changes to freshen things up after so long where the team has almost picked itself.

When the team is on a good run, any players outside of the starting XI know that however disappointing it is to have a lack of playing time you can’t really complain too much if the players ahead of you are getting results.

That all changes though when there is a disappointing draw followed by a defeat - any player worth his salt and currently out of favour will be desperate to make a case for a start so I expect there will be an extra edge to training this week as squad players will be aiming to impress, especially the new signings and current starters should be just as desperate to hang on to their shirt.

I expect Parkinson might have a few players knocking on his door this week, before he picks his team for Gillingham and I don’t think he will mind that much, it is better that players are desperate to start than those just happy to coast sitting on the bench every week.

Whatever team the manager picks though, the pressure is on, as only three points will satisfy the fans especially after slipping up recently.

We are into the final stretch now, there are only 10 games left and Sunderland are playing catch-up so there is absolutely no margin for error now.