Sunderland: European chances predicted by supercomputer after Tottenham win
Sunderland’s chances of qualifying for Europe have been boosted after their latest win.
Nordi Mukiele scored the all-important goal for the Black Cats as they secured a crucial win at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
Not only did it end the Wearsiders’ horrid run against the North Londoners, but it also ended a winless run at home, which will provide a key confidence boost ahead of the final six games of the season.
The Black Cats have been in the European conversation all season, with the win taking them within two points of sixth, and just one from eighth, which may be enough come the end of the season.
Sunderland will maintain hope that they can achieve it, with Opta’s supercomputer having now also given them a better chance.
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Sunderland’s final league finish predicted
This time last year, any Sunderland fan would have been delirious had you told them they would finish 17th in the Premier League.
So to be in the conversation for European football by April is a testament to just how well they, and Regis Le Bris, have done.
After their latest win, Sunderland are now predicted to finish 11th in the Premier League, with a total points tally of 52.
Should that be the case, it would see them pick up six points from their final six games of the season.
Le Bris’ side have a 3.95 per cent chance of qualifying for the Europa League, which would be a huge achievement if done.
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Sunderland have no excuse to repeat what happened last year
At a similar stage in the season last time out, Sunderland’s form dropped off a cliff, and it was because they had little to play for.
A top two finish was looking very unlikely, while their spot in the play-offs was all but confirmed.
However, they look set to have something to play for right up until the final kick of the season this time around, and they must take advantage of it.
This could easily be their best chance of playing European football, and should they achieve it, it would be more than deserved.
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