Things are slowly beginning to look up at the Stadium of Light with a recent run of good form starting to bring hopes that Sunderland may put themselves in the picture to give themselves a chance of promotion this season.
Their recent upturn in form has given them a solid platform to build off as they enter the final stages of the season - but will it be enough to secure Alex Neil’s side a playoff place?
Lots of the teams vying for those four spots have also hit good form recently and it promises to be a hugely exciting race for the playoffs.
Here, using the latest data provided by FiveThirtyEight, we take a look at how the ‘data experts’ are predicting the 2021/22 League One table will finish:
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21. 4th: Sheffield Wednesday
They may be currently outside the playoff places, however, Wednesday’s recent superb form has them bang in contention for a shot at promotion. Predicted finish = 4th - Chances of a playoff place = 75% - Chances of promotion = 28%. Photo: George Wood
22. 3rd: MK Dons
The experts are predicting that MK Dons will be the side that narrowly misses out on an automatic promotion place. However, Liam Manning’s side are viewed as the only viable challengers to the two sides above them. Predicted finish = 3rd - Chances of a playoff place = 67% - Chances of promotion = 48% - Chances of winning the league = 7%. Photo: Pete Norton
23. 2nd: Wigan Athletic
Wigan may have the luxury of a few games in hand over the side below them, however, they will need to make the most of these games with MK Dons breathing down their necks. Predicted finish = 2nd - Chances of promotion = 74% - Chances of winning the league = 31%. Photo: George Wood
24. 1st: Rotherham United
Rotherham have been leaders for a while now and look destined for another return to the Championship. The Millers are being tipped for great things this season - and it’s hard to argue against them being crowned champions at the end of the campaign. Predicted finish = 1st - Chances of promotion = 91% - Chances of winning the league = 60%. Photo: Warren Little