Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett says his old side are "serious contenders" for automatic promotion as they gear up for the Tees-Wear derby.
The Black Cats sit fourth - a position they have held since late-November - but remain in the thick of the race for a top-two spot.
Victory over Middlesbrough on Monday night would move them level with Burnley in third and only three points behind Sheffield United, who sit second, with a third of the season still to play.
"Sunderland have got some really, really talented players, and they are serious contenders to go up," Bennett told BBC Sport.