Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has conceded that his side's Premier League clash against Hull City is a must-win game.
The Black Cats have won only one of their last 10 top-flight fixtures, leaving them just three points clear of the relegation zone with 11 matches to play this season.
Poyet feels that his side's next two games against Hull and Aston Villa will dictate the rest of their campaign.
He told the club's official website: "Now is the time and the next two games are our time. We cannot keep going without winning games and the next two will be key moments in the season."
The Uruguayan also revealed that midfielder Ricky Alvarez is facing a fitness battle to play at the KC Stadium on Tuesday after missing his side's 2-0 defeat against Manchester United with a knock.
He added: "Ricky is touch and go for Tuesday's game, so we will have to assess him tomorrow and see how he is."
Sunderland are 16th in the Premier League table one point and one place below Hull.
Simon Sinclair
