The Black Cats sit 6th in the Championship table with two matches left to play in the regular league campaign.
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: 43 | Points: 74 | Remaining fixtures: Luton (A), Rotherham (A), Coventry (H) Photo: Michael Regan
10. (3rd) Luton
Played: 43 | Points: 75 | Remaining fixtures: Middlesbrough (H), Blackburn (A), Hull (H) Photo: Mark Thompson
11. (2nd) Sheffield United
Played: 42 | Points: 82 | Remaining fixtures: Huddersfield (A), West Brom (H), Preston (H), Birmingham (A) Photo: Catherine Ivill
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