The Black Cats have suffered three defeats in a row and although they currently occupy a playoff berth, their automatic promotion hopes are fading, and teams below are catching up fast.
However, a new manager will bring optimism back to Wearside and Sunderland have 15 games to make good on their early season promise and end the season on a high.
Is automatic promotion a likely outcome this season? Or will it be the dreaded playoffs once again for Sunderland? Or worse?
Here, courtesy of FiveThirtyEight, a ‘supercomputer’ has predicted how the 2021/22 League One season will finish and which position each team is most likely to finish the season in, based on statistical analysis.
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5. 20th: AFC Wimbledon - 49 points
Wimbledon supporters may have some lingering relegation fears, however,the supercomputer is predicting safety for them this season, although they will want to end their current run of no wins in their last 12 games. Supercomputer prediction: 24% chance of relegation Photo: Alex Davidson
6. 19th: Fleetwood Town - 52 points
Although at present Fleetwood sit just three points above the relegation zone, they are being predicted to survive the drop fairly comfortably this season. Supercomputer prediction: 11% chance of relegation Photo: Lewis Storey
7. 18th: Shrewsbury Town - 52 points
Much like Fleetwood, their position in League One may look precarious at the minute, however, they should have enough to steer themselves clear of danger. Supercomputer prediction: 9% chance of relegation Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. 17th: Cheltenham Town - 54 points
A long awaited victory for Cheltenham in midweek have eased relegation fears at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium. The experts are predicting them to survive the drop with relative ease this season. Supercomputer prediction: 7% chance of relegation Photo: Harry Trump