The Black Cats are currently second in League One heading into the international break.
Sunderland, however, are only behind Wigan Athletic on goal difference with both teams locked on 22 points having played 10 games.
But how is the third tier predicted to look come the end of the season based on the results so far?
Here, we take a look at how the data experts say that the table will look at the end of the season:
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But how is the third tier predicted to look come the end of the season based on the results so far?
5. Gillingham - 20th
Gillingham are predicted to finish 20th in League One on 42 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Jacques Feeney
6. Fleetwood Town - 19th
Fleetwood are predicted to finish 19th in League One on 46 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Pete Norton
7. Burton Albion - 18th
Burton are predicted to finish 18th in League One on 54 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Alex Davidson
8. Lincoln City - 17th
Lincoln are predicted to finish 17th in League One on 54 points by data experts FiveThirtyEight.
Photo: Laurence Griffiths