Sunderland fullback Phil Bardsley says their clash with Crystal Palace could decide their survival hopes.
Bardsley is under no illusions how important the game could be if Sunderland are to avoid the drop.
"This is another massive week for us because the Palace game is absolutely vital," said the full-back.
"It's another cup final for us and this time, we desperately need to win it and pick up three points.
"Results elsewhere have gone pretty well for us while we've been involved in the cups but first and foremost we must look at ourselves.
"Now it's about making our games in hand count."
