Sunderland have to find a way to stop this Ipswich Town duo

Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Portsmouth brought our nine-game unbeaten run to an end, and it could cause a rethink of tactics from Phil Parkinson, but I highly doubt that a huge change will come, because it doesn't need to.

A cause for concern for Parkinson could be Sunderland's lack of goals.

Since Sunderland hammered Wycombe 4-0, the Black Cats have found goals scarce, with only two in the past four matches. The injury to Wyke could be used to experiment for Parkinson.

Despite not being a serious injury, it may pave the way for Grigg to make his return to the squad, and stake a claim after not moving in January.

On Saturday, Paul Lambert's side come to town, and in the blockbuster match of the weekend, last weekend's results make it all to play for.

They were hammered 4-1 by Peterborough in their own backyard on Saturday, and their fans will be requiring a response, just as the Sunderland fans are also. In 7th, a win for the Black Cats will put them level on points with Ipswich, and back into the automatic promotion mix.

The hosts may find it difficult to break down the Ipswich backline, as after Posh put four past them on Saturday, Lambert will be certain to tighten it up.

At the other end of the pitch for the Tractor Boys, something that Sunderland will have to be wary of is the threat posed by Kayden Jackson and James Norwood, sharing 20 goals this season.

No one will be avoiding the fact that Sunderland will have to be playing at their very best come 3pm on Saturday afternoon, if they want to close the gap on the top six.

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Sunderland AFC host Ipswich Town on Saturday at the Stadium of Light (3pm KO).