Supercomputer predicts where Sunderland will finish in Premier League after manic summer window
Sunderland have made a good start to the Premier League campaign.
Sunderland’s 2-1 victory at home to Brentford secured their sixth point of the campaign, after just three games.
It’s the same number of wins that Southampton achieved throughout the entirety of the last campaign, and only four fewer than 18th-placed Leicester could muster up.
With 15 new arrivals checking in at the Stadium of Light this summer, the Black Cats have done everything they can to give themselves a good chance of avoiding the drop.
Sunderland remain among favourites for relegation
Despite the summer overhaul, Opta‘s supercomputer still has the Black Cats to finish bottom of the Premier League after 38 games have been played.
Sunderland are projected to finish on 35 points, which would see them finish three points behind Leeds, who are predicted to finish 17th.
In terms of relegation, Opta has given Sunderland a 53.62 per cent probability of facing the drop, while Leeds have a 40.64 per cent chance.
- Sunderland – 53.62 per cent chance of relegation
- Burnley – 50.82 per cent chance of relegation
- Wolves – 47.13 per cent chance of relegation
- Leeds – 40.64 per cent chance of relegation
- West Ham – 26.22 per cent chance of relegation
Of course, football isn’t played on paper, but the reasons behind this prediction likely coincide with Sunderland’s struggles when it comes to creating chances.
Despite scoring five goals this season, the Black Cats have recorded the lowest xG from open play in the league.
Stadium of Light could be Sunderland’s 12th man
As good as the start to the season has been, Sunderland need to be realistic about their chances.
Relegation is a possibility, though the Black Cats have the perfect remedy to that: the Stadium of Light.
If Sunderland can win their home games, as they have done so far this season, they have an excellent chance of avoiding the drop, but only if they can find some success on the road as well.
Sunderland’s away defeat to Burnley was disappointing, though one game doesn’t determine success, and the same will be said about their two home wins so far.
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