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da blaze casino： Sunderland take on Portsmouth on Sunday in by far the biggest match of their season to this point, but what must the Black Cats do to ensure they come back to Wearside as Checkatrade Trophy champions?
With no disrespect intended towards Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town, who occupied Wembley for the final last season, this one just feels a bit more special.
Perhaps it is due to the two sides being separated by just one point in League One or more likely it is the sheer nostalgia of seeing two of the biggest clubs in England both bouncing back from recent struggles for a solitary day of agony or ecstasy.
Either way, Jack Ross will be chomping at the bit to win just his second piece of managerial silverware, so what can he do to make it happen?
Striking support
It is absolutely crucial that the Black Cats do not leave Will Grigg isolated on the massive Wembley pitch. The turf at the iconic ground is measured at 115 by 75 yards, while the Stadium of Light comes closer to 109 by 72 yards.
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The Northern Ireland international has bagged three goals in ten games since joining Sunderland, but all too often he is left to struggle against two towering centre backs all by his lonesome.
Ross must instruct one of George Honeyman, Aiden McGeady or Lewis Morgan to play as close as possible to Grigg, even if it means sacrificing some defensive responsibility.
Men in the middle
If the likes of Honeyman and Morgan are indeed playing closer to Grigg, then Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter will have to have the game of their lives in front of the defence.
With all due respect, none of Ross’ options at centre back particularly fill you with confidence, and stopping Pompey’s key men like Gareth Evans before they even get to the back four will be crucial.
Key man
Finally, Ross needs Luke O’Nien to have a great game. It sounds odd to single out one player so specifically, but whenever the little bundle of energy at right-back plays well the Black Cats play well.
Whether it be by instructing the right-winger to drop deep and help defend, shifting the defence more heavily to one side or just asking the men in the middle to fill the void when he romps forward, O’Nien simply must have an impact on the game, because when he does it is usually a positive one.