With eight games to go, the Black Cats remain in the midst of a battle for the top two as Peterborough United and Hull City continue to pose a stern test.
But victory against Charlton today could propel the side into the automatic promotion places for the first time since April 2019.
And ahead of the clash, Lee Johnson has some key decisions to make when it comes to team selection.
His options have been bolstered in recent weeks with the returns of Jordan Jones and Denver Hume, while the likes of Josh Scowen and Aiden O’Brien will also be pushing for starts at the Stadium of Light.
So what team would our writers pick? Here, Mark Donnelly names the side he would field against the Addicks – with FOUR changes from the Peterborough draw.
And ahead of the clash, Lee Johnson has some key decisions to make when it comes to team selection.