Sean McConville can't wait for the Easter Saturday kick off against League One leaders Luton Town and expects a ‘spicy encounter.'
The Hatters, promoted with the Reds last season, hope to make it back-to-back promotions and are seven points clear of third placed Sunderland, although the Black Cats have a game in hand.
McConville admitted he is surprised to see Luton leading the way but says it will have no reflection on the match on Saturday.
“I have been surprised, obviously they came up with us last year and I think we were the better team last season, as shown by us winning the league," said the winger.
“They added a few players in the summer and I did expect them to kick on. With Nathan Jones going to Stoke, that could have been a body blow but they have carried on and full credit to the manager Mick Harford, who has stepped in and done a fantastic job.
“I envisage them getting promoted to the Championship and you can't take that away from them.
“It should be a smashing game, it should be a spicy encounter and I have a decent record of scoring against Luton so hopefully that can continue.
"Luton are a big club, with a big following and it's in front of the cameras, we can't wait.”
While it's a big game for Luton, it's a huge game for Stanley as they look to guarantee League One football next season.
“It's massive for us, it can't be under-estimated," continued McConville. "If we hadn't got three points on Saturday against Walsall, I am sure people would have believed we would be in serious trouble with our run-in.
“We have Luton, who could be champions, Doncaster and Portsmouth who are pushing for promotion and Plymouth which will be tough.
“We needed that win and now we need to kick on. We were fantastic against Walsall and we need to do that again.
“Luton are flying high and want the three points to go up, we need them to stay in the league.”