But there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the play-offs and Sunderland are in semi-final action against Lincoln City.
Of course, Black Cats fans are no strangers to semi final delight, and occasional agony, as these Echo archive photos show.
We have fan scenes from the play-off semi-final matches against Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Newcastle as we head back to 2019, 2004, 1998 and 1990.
Are you pictured? Take a look and re-live the atmosphere as we get ready to do it all over again.
5. Hopes were high
Sunderland fans pictured at the first leg of their semi-final tie with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Were you pictured in 2004? Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. So tense
These fans watch nervously as Sunderland tackle Crystal Palace in the first leg of their semi-final in 2004. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. A white hot atmosphere in 1998
Sunderland needed to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sheffield United in the 1998 semi-final and did exactly that - much to the delight of these fans. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Singing their hearts out for The Lads
The fans were in fine spirit for the semi-final with Sheffield United in 1998. Photo: Sunderland Echo