Ex-Cat Trev: It’ll be a ding dong battle on Saturday
Morecambe boss Derek Adams believes his side’s home support will give them an important boost for today’s game against Sunderland.
The Shrimps have taken seven points from their last three fixtures at the Mazuma Stadium, including wins over Burton Albion and Oxford United.
Those results at the start of April mean Morecambe have moved out of the relegation zone heading into the game.
Still, the Shrimps’ League One status for next season hasn’t been confirmed and they could slip back into the bottom four if other results go against them.
“We’re really confident at home," said Adams.
“We’ve got a huge backing, it's a sell-out crowd for the game and we are all thoroughly looking forward to that.
“I think that’s important, your home form – we’d always like to have done better away from home but we understand the league that we are in.
“We understand that Sunderland are a huge football club and we understand they’re in the same division as us and that gives us that opportunity to try and get something from the game.”
Former Sunderland academy player Trevor Carson is set to start in goal for Morecambe after joining the club on loan from Dundee United in January.
A win for the Black Cats would see them secure a playoff place, yet Alex Neil’s side could also drop out of the top six if they fail to win.
“It’s a huge game for them,” said Carson, when asked about Sunderland.
"Obviously I have history with Sunderland and have got a lot of mates who are still there.
"I went and watched the game on Tuesday (against Rotherham United), a bit of a scouting mission, and you can sense there is a little bit of edginess with the fans.
"Of course it will be a failure if they don’t make the play-offs for a club of their stature, so they’ll have that little bit of pressure as well.
"Let’s hope it makes for an exciting game – the last thing you want is an edgy game with two teams looking nervous.
"I’m confident it will be a ding-dong battle and I think that suits us, if it is an open game.”