Southampton midfielder Jack Cork admits their clash with Sunderland could be a real six-pointer in the relegation battle.

Saints are one point below Sunderland in the table and both are dangerously close to the drop zone.

Former Chelsea kid Cork, 23, said: "We have had a couple of these games already.

"We have beaten QPR and Reading and we are all up for it because we know what is at stake, having worked so hard to get up last season."