No wins in their last four games, which included a run of three-straight defeats that was halted against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend, means the Black Cats are currently sitting in the playoff places but are closer to slipping out the top-six, than to Wigan in second place.
Sunderland have just 14 games left of the season and new boss Alex Neil will be hoping he can make an impact on Wearside and steer the side up the table.
But does the underlying numbers and statistics back this up? Or are Sunderland set for more League One misery come May?
Well, here, using data provided by FiveThirtyEight, we take a look at how the rest of the 2021/22 League One season may look and where Sunderland have been predicted to finish under new boss Alex Neil:
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
1. Crewe Alexandra - relegation
Predicted points: 33 (-44 GD) - Probability of relegation: 98% - Probability of finishing 24th: 55% Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Doncaster Rovers - relegation
Predicted points: 36 (-50 GD) - Probability of relegation: 95% - Probability of finishing 23rd: 34% Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. Gillingham - relegation
Predicted points: 39 (-35 GD) - Probability of relegation: 84% - Probability of finishing 22nd: 30% Photo: George Wood
4. Morecambe - relegation
Predicted points: 42 (-29 GD) - Probability of relegation: 69% - Probability of finishing 21st: 30% Photo: Alex Davidson