Using data from WyScout, we've examined some of the key performance data in the third tier to see how Sunderland compare to their promotion rivals.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see whether Phil Parkinson's side are on a par with the top eight - or lagging behind in their quest for promotion:
5. POSSESSION
Of course, it's not all about having the ball - it's about what you do with it - but Sunderland have an impressive record when it comes to keeping the ball. They average 54% possession in each game, and only Oxford United see more of the ball than Parkinson's side. Photo: Other
6. SHOTS AGAINST PER GAME
So we've talked about chances created, but how about the chances given to the opposition? Sunderland have a fairly strong record in this department - besting Peterborough, Portsmouth and Wycombe with their record of 8.52 shots against per game. Their record isn't quite as good as top two Coventry and Rotherham though. Photo: Other
7. TOP SCORER
Every successful team needs a goal-scorer; someone on whom they can hang their hat when it comes to finding the net. This has been a struggle for Sunderland, with Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch the club's joint top scorers on ten goals apiece. Peterborough's Ivan Toney has scored more league goals than the duo combined, and every other top eight club - bar Wycombe - has an individual that has netted more than the Black Cats' top scorers. Photo: Other
8. PROGRESSIVE PASSES
These passes are defined as forward passes of a certain length - dependent on where on the pitch they are played - which aid the team's attack. Sunderland rank well when it comes to this statistic, completing 2874 progressive passes across the term, but still trail behind rivals Oxford, Portsmouth and Coventry. Photo: Other