Sunderland ‘silver lining’ emerges from controversial Bristol City defeat
Sunderland fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Bristol City on Good Friday, but the result may not be all bad after all.
Ever since Sunderland sealed their spot in the playoffs, performances have essentially dropped off a cliff, and it has led to a few concerns.
However, with little left to play for alongside Regis Le Bris’ decision to rest some key players, it’s not entirely unexpected that it has happened.
The Black Cats are stumbling into the playoffs as it stands, but the latest defeat may actually serve as more of a positive, in a strange way.
Bristol City could be Sunderland’s playoff opponents
While a fourth-place spot may be all but cemented for Sunderland, there are still two playoff places up for grabs ahead of the final three games of the season.
West Brom’s lack of form under Tony Mowbray has seen them fall out of the conversation, but there is still Middlesbrough, Coventry and Bristol City to compete.
Of course, if Sunderland finish fourth, they will play fifth in the playoff semi-finals, which, as it stands, will be Bristol City, and it may be the perfect scenario for the Mackems.
| Sunderland play-off semi-finals* | Date |
| 1st leg – away from home | Fri 9 May |
| 2nd leg – at Stadium of Light | Tue 13 May |
Quite frankly, no one from a red and white perspective will want to face Coventry given their wretched record against the Sky Blues, and Middlesbrough’s obsession with labelling it as a derby will provide them with an extra fire in their belly if that were to be the matchup.
However, with Bristol City winning on Friday, their hopes of a fifth-place finish were increased, and very few Sunderland fans, or players for that matter, would be too concerned with playing them over two legs.
Had it not been for a controversial Trai Hume sending off, Sunderland could have easily won the recent clash at Ashton Gate, which, as it stands, will be repeated in May.
Le Bris needs to get Sunderland firing again
Form isn’t essential to go into the playoffs with, but it is certainly helpful.
If Sunderland can build some momentum and confidence ahead of the final three games, the concerns that emerged over the last few weeks will diminish.
Le Bris needs to find a balance between finding form and fitness to give the Black Cats the best shot at promotion.