Sunderland fans can stop fearing relegation after latest Premier League reveal
Sunderland could be days away from safety, if history is anything to go by.
Sunderland secured a point against Brighton last time out, taking them to 27 points in the Premier League after just 17 games.
That tally would have seen them survive in both of the previous campaigns.
However, despite what has been a good season to date, some Sunderland fans are still fearful of relegation, and they may need just one win to eradicate those concerns.
Win vs Leeds could cement Sunderland’s Premier League status
To make absolutely make certain of survival, Sunderland need 13 points from their remaining 21 games, which works out at 0.57 points per game.
That is only marginally less than Burnley have achieved so far this season.
However, while some fear relegation, others have mooted Sunderland for European football, and that is looking like a real possibility.
Sunderland face Leeds this weekend, and a win could take them into the top four, depending on results elsewhere.
Historically, the Premier League has never seen a team relegated at the end of the season when they have finished the year in the top four.
Added to that, only two teams have been relegated when inside the top 10 at Christmas, with Blackpool in 2010-11, and Norwich in 1994-95.
- Read more: Oxford United destined for relegation as ex-Sunderland manager in frame to replace Gary Rowett
Leeds encounter could decide Sunderland’s ambitions
Sunderland are guaranteed to finish 2025 inside the top 10, at the very least, which is a showcase of just how well they have fared on their return to the top flight.
However, the Black Cats are unlikely to settle for that as their target for success, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus looking to take them as far as he possibly can.
That ambition is likely to be reflected by the business they do in the upcoming January transfer window, with attacking reinforcements set to be a focus.
From here on, Sunderland fans can start to enjoy the journey, as opposed to worrying about what may come next, as has been the case for many years.
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