Sunderland Premier League finish predicted by former player turned pundit

Former Sunderland player Don Goodman has given his thoughts on where the Black Cats will finish during the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Régis Le Bris' side has enjoyed a fantastic campaign, buoyed by a strong home support which has seen the club win eight home games.

Sunderland fans can be assured they will not be anywhere near the Premier League relegation zone, while they may even push into European consideration with a strong finish. Goodman feels that Sunderland will be right on the cusp and could even earn qualification if the positions fall the right way.

Sunderland Premier League finish predicted

Goodman, speaking courtesy of new bingo sites, told the Echo: "I had the pleasure of interviewing Regis Le Bris pre-Spurs. And I did say, if you can win this game, you're going to be very close to a European spot. Can Sunderland fans start dreaming that they could possibly get into Europe?

"And he obviously answered it with a straight bat, as you would expect. But the answer is, people need to dream. Dreaming is what keeps us going, isn't it? And I'm now looking at what they've got left… Aston Villa away next, which is going to be tough. But then they have Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, which they will feel they can find a way to win.

"Then they have Manchester United at home, at the Stadium of Light. I think Sunderland can give anybody a game at home. Everton away would be a big one, because Everton wants the same prize as Sunderland, of course.

"Of 32 now, 26 of them, there's been no more than a one-goal margin. Obviously, there's not going to be a one-goal margin when they've won or when they've lost. 26 out of 32, so there's only been six games in which there's been more than one goal in their games.

"So, basically, what I'm saying is, this is a team that finds a way to win the tight games. And sometimes games that they really shouldn't, you know, but they find a way. You only have to look at the last couple of victories. They found a way to win the game before at St James' Park, which was incredible. So, now that they're on 46 points and now they're within touching distance, I would expect them to be really up for every single game.

"I'm going to remove my blinkers and let my head probably rule my heart. Oh, that's a tough one. Everton and Brighton have got the easiest run-ins on paper now, but then it's Sunderland of those teams. I think they're just going to miss out. I'm going to say they can get to eight.

"And you know what, actually, if cup competitions go and results and faith conspire, eighth may nick you a European spot. Five Champions League, then a Europa League, then a Europa Conference League."

Is European qualification worth it for Sunderland?

On whether earning a European qualification spot would be worth it, Goodman added: "I would say financially, no, ironically, because of all the travelling and all the games and the prize money. Or lack thereof. But for the stature and the status, and in order to attract maybe a slightly better calibre of player, then yes, absolutely."

Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris issues major injury update and drops Sunderland selection hint for Aston Villa