The Black Cats sit 9th in the Championship table and two points off the play-offs with four games remaining – starting with Tuesday’s home game against Huddersfield.
But which teams have the most favourable run-ins on paper?
With league leaders Burnley already promoted, here’s a look at this season’s remaining games for the clubs battling for automatic promotion and play-off positions.
5. (8th) Preston
Played: 42 | Points: 62 | Remaining games: Swansea (A), Blackburn (H), Sheffield United (A), Sunderland (H) Photo: Clive Brunskill
6. (7th) Coventry
Played: 42 | Points 62 | Remaining fixtures: Blackburn (A), Reading (H), Birmingham (H), Middlesbrough (A) Photo: David Rogers
7. (6th) Blackburn
Played: 41 | Points: 63 | Remaining fixtures: Coventry (H), Preston (A), Burnley (H), Luton (H), Millwall (A) Photo: Alex Pantling
8. (5th) Millwall
Played: 42 | Points: 65 | Remaining fixtures: Birmingham (H), Wigan (A), Blackpool (A), Blackburn (H) Photo: Ashley Allen