While Mike Dodds is unlikely to be handed the reins on a permanent basis after the conclusion of this campaign, he will want his current Sunderland side to end the season on a high note.
That looked unlikely on the back of six successive defeats, but the Black Cats have since responded by losing just one of their last six games.
Although that was a 5-1 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland have incredibly kept clean sheets in the other five matches during that period.
Back-to-back goalless draws were posted against Leeds United and Bristol City before the North-East outfit overcame West Bromwich Albion by a 1-0 scoreline last weekend.
Collecting points over that level of opposition can only act as a confidence boost ahead of trying to reach the 60-point mark. Four points are required from this game and the following meetings with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday.
From Millwall’s perspective, their decision to bring Neil Harris back to the club has proven to be inspired given that they are now all but assured of safety.
Either side of a period where they collected just five points from six matches, they have won back-to-back matches to leave them six points clear of the bottom three with three matches remaining.
A 1-0 victory over Leicester City was followed by a 3-1 success against Cardiff City, both games taking place at The Den where Millwall are unbeaten in five games.
However, they have been far less impressive on their travels, losing their last three such fixtures and scoring just the one goal.
