Former Sunderland boss Simon Grayson says his Fleetwood side are no 'soft touch' ahead of tonight's Stadium of Light clash.
The Cod Army have won just once in 2021, but have seen a slight upturn in form in recent weeks, losing only twice in their last seven.
They defeated promotion hopefuls Doncaster 3-1 earlier this month, while held play-off contenders Charlton to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
And while Lee Johnson's Sunderland come into the game in good form, Grayson insists they present the same challenges as every game in League One does.
“Sunderland are a team in good form at the moment and tipped to try to get back into the Championship, but it’s no more difficult than playing Accrington here next Saturday or going to Lincoln the following Tuesday because they are all in and around it," he told the Blackpool Gazette.
“But I said pre-match that other teams will be thinking Fleetwood aren’t a soft touch and have some good players, so we’re pleased with what we’re doing.
“You’re very respectful of the opposition and the individuals you are playing against, but we concentrate on what we need to do and we’ll go to Sunderland looking to pick up three points.”
Fleetwood are expected to stick with young defenders James Hill and Harrison Holgate tonight with Charlie Mulgrew missing Saturday's draw following a positive Covid test.
Sunderland will be without Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan and Ross Stewart, although the latter pair have begun training and could be in contention against Crewe at the weekend.
