Defender Mason Holgate says West Bromwich Albion are relishing the opportunity to take on a promotion rival when they travel to Sunderland on Tuesday.
The Baggies are sixth in the Championship and are six points behind second-placed Sunderland following a 2-2 draw with Norwich at the weekend, in which Holgate scored.
“If we want to be where we want to be and if we have the quality we believe we have, these are the games where we need to stand up and make statements,” Holgate told BBC Radio WM.
“I think we all know that and are ready for it and looking forward to it.”
Sunderland are one of three teams tied on 32 points at the top of the table, along with Leeds and Sheffield United, and Holgate believes things can change very quickly.
“I feel like this year, anybody can beat anybody and that’s what makes these games where we come away feeling like we could’ve won a little bit more frustrating, because you add those points on, it makes a really big difference,” he said.
“But the games come so fast. If we win on Tuesday against Sunderland and win on Saturday against Preston, it’s been a good week and we will be in a much different place.
“So all we can do is look forward and keep concentrating on games that are coming thick and fast now until the Christmas period.”
Everton loanee Holgate previously had a spell with West Brom in 2019 and says he has “loved” being back at the club.
“Last time I was here, we dropped a little bit short in the play-offs, so I want to go one further and try and get promoted this year,” Holgate added.
“I think with the quality that we’ve got – and nobody in this league is pulling away with it – I feel like it’s there to be grabbed by somebody, so that’s what we want to do.”
You can listen to Mason Holgate’s interview on BBC Sounds.
