Sunderland’s chances of European football predicted by supercomputer after Leeds win
Sunderland are just three points away from a potential European spot.
Habib Diarra’s rather tame penalty effort proved to be the difference at Elland Road as Sunderland secured a 1-0 win away to Leeds.
The victory took the Black Cats up to 40 points, and just three points behind Everton, who sit in eighth-place ahead of the final nine games of the season.
Should a side finish in the top six and win the FA Cup, then a Conference League spot will be awarded to whoever finishes eighth.
And after their latest victory, Sunderland’s chances of being that team have been shared.
Opta predicts final Sunderland league position
Sunderland’s goal at the start of the season was to avoid relegation, and with 40 points from 29 games, they certainly look to have already achieved that.
But with nine games to go, the question is just how high up the Premier League table they can finish, with some favourable fixtures to be played.
As per Opta, the Wearsiders are expected to finish 13th in the Premier League, with a final points tally of 50.
They have a 0.26 per cent chance of European qualification, with Everton and Brentford predicted to finish eighth and seventh.
Sunderland are forecasted to finish just three points behind the top eight, but 15 points clear of the bottom three.
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What do Sunderland need to do to finish in top eight?
Their first priority has to be to get their key players back to fitness, with the Black Cats going through somewhat of an injury crisis at the moment.
Sunderland were without Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Brian Brobbey for their win over Leeds, with Dennis Cirkin and Jocelin Ta Bi also sidelined.
But once that is achieved, Regis Le Bris still needs to find a way to address their lack of creativity.
Sunderland failed to create anything from open play at Elland Road, which has been a theme of their performances throughout the season, especially away from home.
Four of their final nine games are on the road, showcasing how crucial they could be to their chances of qualifying for Europe.
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