'My gut feeling' - Pundit makes new Sunderland automatic promotion claim after what he's seen
Carlton Palmer believes that Sunderland will fail to retain their place inside the Championship top two come the end of the season.
As it stands, Regis Le Bris' side sit top of the table with a three-point cushion over second place Burnley after their impressive victory against Luton Town in a game that sparked controversy.
Sunderland have continued to impress although not enough to encourage Palmer that they can achieve promotion this season.
Speaking with Football League World [24 October], the pundit said: "I keep waiting for the bubble to burst, I keep saying that I don’t expect Sunderland to stay up there in the top two positions.
“My gut feeling is that Sunderland will not finish in the top two. I still think the top two — I said it was going to be Luton — but I think Leeds and Burnley are very, very strong."
January is going to be a busy month for Sunderland
What happens in January could potentially hinge on where Sunderland find themselves upon the opening of the transfer window.
If the Black Cats can retain their place at the top end of the Championship, it could be a huge opportunity for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to showcase his ambition and help them over the finish line.
It has been a remarkable start to the season and with several players still due to return to the squad, you would hope that things can only get better.
A list of absentees includes Dan Ballard, Aji Alese, Salis Abdul Samed among several other players who can play a key part in a promotion-winning side.
However, the Black Cats will be given an opportunity to strengthen their squad even further which could be the boost they need to make a return to the Premier League.
Several players could also leave the club with the likes of Abdoullah Ba and Adil Aouchiche both finding themselves massively out of favour.
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