Jamie McAllister has looked ahead to Monday’s festive fixture against Doncaster Rovers at The Eco-Power Stadium.
The Lads travel to South Yorkshire looking to add to their seven-game unbeaten run, and spring past Wigan Athletic into second place.
Monday’s trip is the start of a busy Christmas period for the Black Cats, with Sheffield Wednesday and Fleetwood Town following in quick succession.
“It’s the same every Christmas for us - there’s a lot of games coming up in a short space of time and a lot of points to play for,” McAllister said.
“We just have to look forward to each game and make sure our recovery is right in between.”
Doncaster come into the contest with no manager currently in place after the departure of Richie Wellens two weeks ago.
The hosts have acquired just one win in their previous eight league fixtures, although that did come in their most recent against Shrewsbury Town.
McAllister continued: “We just have to focus on ourselves, but we do think they will have a new manager in place before we play them.
“We’re on a very good run at the moment and are unbeaten in seven in the league – obviously we had the cup game on Tuesday which was a great game for us, but we were disappointed to lose.
“It’s all onto Doncaster now and back to the league, which is our main focus.
“It’s cliché, but we have to take it game-by-game – the next three points are always the most important."
Nathan Broadhead will miss the fixture after picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Arsenal, and McAllister discussed the attacking alternatives within the squad.
“It’s obviously a disappointment to lose Nathan, but there’s an opportunity for someone to step in and produce,” he added.
“Aiden O’Brien has been very effective in the cup competitions this season and in the minutes he’s played in the league.
“He trains well everyday, he’s a top professional and he has goals in him, which is what we need to replace Nathan.
“We also have good versatility with Elliot Embleton and Alex Pritchard, so we have that flexibility to play someone in the 10.”