The Black Cats face Coventry City on Sunday in their first Championship game in over four years.
Alex Neil’s side will be hoping to get off to the best possible start in-front of their own fans and in-front of the TV cameras when they welcome Mark Robins’ side.
The hype surrounding the start of a new season is beginning to ramp up and of course with that, comes plenty of predictions about how the next 46 games will unfold for Sunderland and all of their new Championship rivals.
Here, we take a look at the Daily Mirror’s pre-season Championship predictions to see where they believe Sunderland will finish in the league.
Do these predictions shock you? How do you think Sunderland will do this season? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
13. Stoke City (13th)
Mid-table mediocrity has seemingly become the norm at Stoke in recent seasons but their squad, on paper, could be destined for a lot more. Their recent addition of Dwight Gayle could help the team exceed the Daily Mirror’s prediction of 13th. Photo: Nathan Stirk
14. QPR (14th)
QPR faded at the end of last season and failed to make a playoff spot that they had seemed destined to reach for much of the campaign. The Daily Mirror don’t believe that Michael Beale’s men will be challenging the top-six too much this season. Photo: Christopher Lee
15. Swansea (15th)
Many have noted Swansea down as potential ‘dark horses’ this season as the Swans look to build on last season’s efforts under Russell Martin. The Daily Mirror are predicting a bottom-half finish for City once again however. Photo: Matthew Lewis
16. Blackpool (16th)
Michael Appleton is the man tasked with building on the excellent work done by Neil Cricthely during his time at Blackpool. The Daily Mirror believe the Tangerines should have little worries about relegation next season. Photo: George Wood