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.
9. (4th) Middlesbrough
Played: 42 | Points: 71 | Remaining fixtures: Hull (H), Luton (A), Rotherham (A), Coventry (H) Photo: Michael Regan
10. (3rd) Luton
Played: 42 | Points: 74 | Remaining fixtures: Reading (A), Middlesbrough (H), Blackburn (A), Hull (H) Photo: Mark Thompson
11. (2nd) Sheffield United
Played: 41 | Points: 79 | Remaining fixtures: Bristol City (H), Huddersfield (A), West Brom (H), Preston (H), Birmingham (A) Photo: Catherine Ivill