For a bit of fun, we've simulated the game five years into the future, and had a look at how Sunderland shape up ahead of the 2024/25 season. Click and scroll through the gallery to see how FM20 thinks the Black Cats' starting XI, substitutes, and manager will look in the future.
5. LB: Harry Pickering
Sunderland took a punt on the Crewe defender after he helped his side to promotion in 2024. He's a consistent, if a little underwhelming regular starter.. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
6. MC: Ibrahima Cisse
One of the club's landmark signings upon earning their promotion back to the second tier, the Guinean international is very much the midfield enforcer at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
7. MC: George Saville
A nice piece of business, this was. The former Chelsea man adds a touch of class to Sunderland's midfield, and is a reliable assist provider too. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
8. MC: Kenny McLean
A very strange career progression here - from Norwich to Burnley for £7.75m, then to Sunderland for £66k! He's not been too impressive in his two seasons at the club though, to be honest. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) Photo: Bryn Lennon