Despite rescuing a late draw against Burton Albion in midweek, Sunderland sit perilously in the playoff places and could drop out of them should teams below them win their games in hand.
Alex Neil looks like having a huge job on his hands to change the team’s fortunes and guide Sunderland into promotion contention.
The Black Cats have just twelve games left to try and secure themselves a playoff place, but is this likely come the end of the campaign?
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:
Do any of these placings shock you? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know your thoughs.
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: 65% Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Gillingham - relegation
Predicted points: 38 (-37 GD) - Probability of relegation: 90% - Probability of finishing 23rd: 32% Photo: George Wood
3. Doncaster Rovers - relegation
Predicted points: 38 (-47 GD) - Probability of relegation: 88% - Probability of finishing 22nd: 26% Photo: Nathan Stirk
4. Morecambe - relegation
Predicted points: 42 (-30 GD) - Probability of relegation: 69% - Probability of finishing 21st: 29% Photo: Alex Davidson