Sunderland promotion chances predicted by supercomputer after Leeds United draw
A supercomputer powered by Opta has predicted how the Championship season will pan out, revealing the likelihood of Sunderland achieving promotion.
After Illan Meslier’s 97th-minute howler awarded Sunderland a late point in their most recent fixture, the Black Cats remain top of the table heading into the international break.
Despite a two-point deduction, Sheffield United sit second, only behind Regis Le Bris’ side on goal difference.
According to Opta Analyst [7 October], Sunderland’s chances of achieving promotion are minimal despite an impressive start to the campaign, with the supercomputer estimating they have only has a 9.3 per cent chance of automatic promotion behind the likes of Leeds and Burnley.
Leeds sit top of the predicted table with an estimated 58.86 per cent chance of finishing inside the top two, with Sheffield United expected to take second place.
Plenty to build on for Sunderland
Sunderland’s unbeaten home run continued with their perhaps fortuitous 2-2 draw against Leeds; something which could prove crucial come the end of the season.
It wasn’t long ago that the Black Cats almost went a full calendar year without winning a single game at the Stadium of Light, and for the home form to have started this strongly can only be seen as a positive for Le Bris’ side.
The Black Cats, however, have dropped most of their points away from home with defeats to Watford and Plymouth, something that will need to be improved should Sunderland maintain their ambition to achieve promotion.
Le Bris’ side will have the opportunity to continue in their pursuit of doing exactly that when they face Hull City after the international break.
The expected returns of Salis Abdul Samed, Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda should provide a boost for Sunderland, who will want to build on Friday’s (4th October) result.
In other Sunderland news, Jeff Stelling expressed his concerns after what happened at the end of Sunderland’s encounter against Leeds United.
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