The notable League One landmark that Sunderland will pass if they beat Ipswich Town

The Black Cats have generally been strong starters since their drop into the third tier in 2018, losing just one of their opening nine games in each of the last three seasons.

But an ability to turn draws into wins has seen this season’s crop of Black Cats on course to record their best start to a campaign in League One.

That will all be dependent on Phil Parkinson’s side securing a positive result against fellow promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town tomorrow evening, though.

Sunderland currently sit on 18 points from their nine games played in League One thus far, having scored 12 and conceded six.

In the 2019/20 season, the Black Cats sat on 19 points after playing ten games – meaning the current side are just one point shy of that total having played a game less.

Jack Ross’ 2018/19 side had also racked-up 19 points by the ten game-mark, leaving Sunderland’s class of 2020 requiring three points to ensure they register the club’s best start to life in League One.

It’s often said that managers won’t look at the league table until ten games have been played, and a record points total would no doubt make happy reading for Parkinson.

But conversely, a defeat against the Tractor Boys would see Sunderland sitting on 18 points after ten games – a tally below that of the previous two seasons.

Interestingly, despite the Black Cats being on the brink of a record points total after ten games, this has been the club’s least-productive start to a campaign in front of a goal.

Parkinson’s side have netted 12 times in their nine games thus far, while Sunderland had already scored 16 (2019/20) and 20 (2018/19) by the time they had played ten games in previous campaigns.

But at the other end, Sunderland’s defensive record looks far better.

The Wearsiders have conceded just six times so far this term, while Jack Ross’ sides of 2019/20 and 2018/19 had shipped 12 and 10 goals respectively after playing ten games.

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