Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says the next four games will 'define' their season and is targeting a winning home sequence.
Fulham are the visitors to the Stadium of Light this weekend for what is now a crucial game while Bolton, Manchester City and Birmingham are all due to visit Wearside in the next month.
Depending on how Aston Villa do against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup replay on Wednesday night, the Black Cats could have four home games on the bounce and Bruce says they have to take advantage.
"The next four games could be at home, and they will define our season," he said. "If Aston Villa win their FA Cup replay this week we will have four home games on the spin against Fulham, Bolton, Man City and Birmingham.
"
If we can keep our players fit, we've got enough to make sure we can finish off the season in a respectable position.
"Out of the 12 games we have left, seven are at home and we've been very decent at the Stadium of Light so hopefully that form will continue and we can get a couple of wins.
"
It's so tight between the bottom 10 clubs - everyone in the bottom half of the table is still looking over their shoulders."