Lee: Still work to do to secure a top-six spot
Lee Johnson has said it is too early for a potential play-off campaign to have an impact on his Sunderland decisions.
The Black Cats boss is eager for his side to ensure they capitalise on any points dropped above them, and has also warned that they still have work to do to ensure that they secure a top-six spot.
The head coach is likely to reassess his team's position ahead of the long trip to Plymouth next weekend, but insists the only focus for now is on beating Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
The 2-2 draw with Hull City on Tuesday night extended Sunderland's winless run to five games, though large elements of the performance pleased Johnson.
"I think it [extra playoff games] is a consideration, towards probably that Plymouth Argyle game and whether or not automatic promotion is still possible or not," Johnson said.
"There has got to be a consideration then with A) your league position, B) who the potential opponents are if we're in the play-offs, C) if you need to rest anyone and then you've also got the consideration of fair play in the competition as well.
"There is a lot of thought process that will go into that if we get there but at the moment it's still very much one game at a time and we'll do our best to beat Accrington Stanley.
"We'll try to win the next four games but the next one is Accrington and we know it's not in our hands [the top two].
"Not only are we getting the result for results sake, we've also got to build performances, build belief going into a cup competition but we've still got tosecureenoughpointssothat we're in the play-offs."