Defender Mason Holgate says West Bromwich Albion are relishing the opportunity to take on a promotion rival when they travel to Sunderland on Tuesday.
The Baggies are sixth in the Championship and are six points behind second-placed Sunderland following a 2-2 draw with Norwich at the weekend, in which Holgate scored.
"If we want to be where we want to be and if we have the quality we believe we have, these are the games where we need to stand up and make statements," Holgate told BBC Radio WM.
"I think we all know that and are ready for it and looking forward to it.