Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sun 16 March 2025 9:17, UK

Sunderland have been in the automatic promotion conversation for the majority of the season.

As a whole, it has been a successful campaign for Sunderland, but recent form has cast a shadow of concern on Wearside, all but ending their hopes of a top-two finish.

Regis Le Bris’ side suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Coventry on Saturday, following on from another disappointing draw against Preston.

With eight games still to be played, there can be more twists and turns, but all the signs are pointing towards a playoff campaign for the Black Cats.

Championship playoffs beckon for Mackems

Should Sunderland fail to achieve promotion this season, it could have some pretty drastic consequences on the club going forward.

Several players will inevitvaly depart the club, though Sunderland will surely have an excellent chance via the playoffs to ensure that doesn’t happen.

According to the latest Opta supercomputer predictions, the Black Cats are forecasted to finish fourth in the Championship with 82 points.

It would see Sunderland finish 10 points behind Burnley and 12 points above Coventry in fifth, who could end up being their playoff opponents.

Just a 0.16 per cent chance remains for Sunderland to achieve a top two finish, while a playoff spot is all but confirmed with a 99.66 per cent chance.

Sunderland may be forced to rue winter shortcomings

Sunderland failed to make the most of the January window, though very few anticipated it having too much of an impact.

However, especially with the new injury to Dennis Cirkin, their lack of squad depth may be exposed over the next few weeks.

Enzo Le Fee and Jayden Danns were the only winter arrivals, though both are currently sidelined with injury, and come the end of the campaign, it may be seen as a missed opportunity.

Only time will tell if the Black Cats have enough to get over the line, but if that is to be the case, improvements are needed on the pitch as a matter of urgency.