Steve Evans joked he'd seen Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson more than his wife in the past few weeks as Gillingham prepare to do battle with Sunderland once again.
The meeting at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday will be the third meeting of two sides in just four weeks, as they required a replay to settle their FA Cup third round clash.
After a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, the two sides met in Kent a fortnight ago, with Evans' side winning a poor game 1-0 after extra-time. Brandon Hanlan's winner was the only shot on target from either side in 120 minutes of football.
And with Parkinson coming under increasing pressure at Sunderland after picking up just one point in the Black Cats' two league games since, Evans is confident his in-form side can get another win, this time with three league points at stake in Kent.
Evans joked: "I think I've seen the Manager of Sunderland AFC more than I've seen my wife in the past few weeks!
"Phil will have different players available (from the cup replay) but we are in good form and we are confident.
"We are trying to build something here; the boys have a great work ethic and we have a fantastic captain in Max Ehmer.
"You need to win at home, that's where your bread and butter is, and I think the fans can see what we are trying to do. Our supporters have seen what the team is capable of in the last few weeks. Without the fans we are nothing."
Despite his confidence, and Sunderland's struggles, Evans is still appreciative of the talent Parkinson has at his disposal, making a prediction for how the season will go for the Wearsiders.
The Gills boss said: "Sunderland have very talented footballers. They will be in the top six at the end of the season, no doubt. It will be a tough challenge."
