Glenn: We Control Ourselves

Glenn Roeder says it is up to his side to control their own destiny from now on in.

"It is all to play for but it is very important we do our very best to get points in every single game.

"It can change very quickly but we have to focus on ourselves - although we will have half an eye on those around us as, that will determine how many points we need."

Human nature, and ever changing mathematics, dictate, however, that other sides' results are the source of a lot of discussion as well.

And, with Sunderland playing Bolton under new boss Mick McCarthy, Glenn says:

"The important thing for us last weekend was that Liverpool managed to beat Bolton, though I am told they played extremely well; the difference was Michael Owen, though it wasn't a case of Bolton defending badly but Michael creating his chances.

"I am convinced that once the Sunderland players go out on Saturday they will be doing whatever they possibly can to beat Bolton, but we can't have any influence over that game - only our own destiny."

As for the weekend opposition, he adds:

"Everton are having a fantastic season; it has gone very well for David Moyes this year I guess generally speaking he will say most of his key players have been available this year, like Campbell, though big Dunc has been out.

"There is no reason other than to go up there being positive on the back of two wins.

"It was a tight game against them earlier in the season and the best chance had fallen for Paolo Di Canio, but there weren't many chances for either side."

It could be Defoe versus Rooney in a shootout, and Glenn adds:

"He is an extremely talented young man and we feel we have an extremely talented one in Jermain, who is looking forward to the game a lot."