Alex Neil guided Sunderland back to the Championship and will be the man tasked with keeping the Black Cats in the division they managed just a single-year stay during their last appearance in the second-flight.
Hopes and expectations are high that this time around will be different however and with the jubilation of their win at Wembley still yet to leave Wearside, supporters will be hoping Neil can guide Sunderland to safety.
But what do the ‘experts’ make of their chances this season? Are they forecasting a season of struggle or should supporters be looking up the table, rather than down?
Here, we take a look at some of the early season predictions to see whether the ‘experts’ are predicting a return straight-back to League One for Sunderland.
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1. Norwich City
The Canaries are making a habit of yo-yoing between the top two flights and are one of the early-favourites for promotion next year. Probability of relegation = 3.4%. Photo: Pete Norton
2. Watford
The Hornets suffered their second relegation in three years but are expected to be challenging right at the top of the league again next season. Probability of relegation = 3.8%. Photo: Henry Browne
3. West Brom
Steve Bruce’s appointment didn’t change the Baggies’ fortunes last season. They won’t be threatened by relegation this season, although they will want to improve on last year’s showing. Probability of relegation = 4.3%. Photo: Tony Marshall
4. Sheffield United
The Blades had a fantastic end to last season and are predicted to pick-up right where they left-off. Probability of relegation = 4.8%. Photo: Ryan Pierse