Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge.Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge.
Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge.

The Sunderland XI which started against Wigan on the opening day - with seven changes from the side which faced Sheffield Wednesday

It’s been a roller coaster season for Sunderland and a lot has changed since the Black Cats kicked off their 2021/22 campaign back in August.

Lee Johnson’s side came from behind to beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, with Aiden McGeady scoring from the penalty spot before Ross Stewart netted the winner.

Out of the Black Cats side which started that day, only four of them started Sunderland’s play-off second leg against Sheffield Wednesday last week.

That is down to several factors including injuries, players leaving and a new head coach.

Here’s the starting XI from the Wigan fixture on August 21 and a look at how their seasons have played out: