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.
21. Reading (21st)
Paul Ince’s side have had to deal with a transfer embargo hanging over them this summer, greatly limiting the ways they can strengthen ahead of next season. The Daily Mirror predicts another campaign of struggle but one that, ultimately, will see them retain their Championship status. Photo: Eddie Keogh
22. Birmingham City (22nd)
The Blues have had a whole host of off-field problems to worry about this summer and as we have seen so often, off-field issues usually affect matters on the pitch. The Daily Mirror are predicting a 22nd place finish and relegation for John Eustace’s side. Photo: Catherine Ivill
23. Bristol City (23rd)
Nigel Pearson’s side have flirted with relegation over the past couple of seasons before dragging themselves to safety. This time however, the Daily Mirror believe they will fail to beat the drop into League One. Photo: Mike Hewitt
24. Sunderland (24th)
Despite plenty of optimism on Wearside that Sunderland can have a successful season under Alex Neil in the Championship, the Daily Mirror have predicted them to finish in last place. Photo: Frank Reid