Football Manager can be used to help unearth hidden gems, find some of the strengths and weaknesses of players and to help gauge what could happen in the future.
Sunderland have had a very solid return to the Championship and under Tony Mowbray look like potentially challenging at the top end of the table.
Recent wins over promotion hopefuls Millwall and Blackburn Rovers have cemented Sunderland’s real claims of threatening teams in and around the playoff picture - but will they be able to sustain this over the season?
Here, we take a look at what Football Manager is predicting could be in store for Sunderland this season.
Do you agree with these predictions? Where do you think Sunderland will finish the campaign? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there:
. Manager Tony Mowbray. Sunderland Fc 3-0 Millwall FC. EFL Championship. 3-12-22 Picture by FRANK REID
This is where Sunderland are being predicted to finish in the Championship this season (Picture by FRANK REID) Photo: Frank Reid
. Middlesbrough
According to Football Manager, Middlesbrough will finish the season as champions with 79 points. Photo: George Wood
. Watford
According to Football Manager, Watford will finish the season in 2nd with 78 points. Photo: Paul Harding
. Sheffield United
According to Football Manager, Sheffield United will finish the season in 3rdd with 78 points and be promoted via the playoffs. Photo: George Wood
. Blackburn Rovers
According to Football Manager, Blackburn Rovers will finish the season in 4th with 77 points but lose in the playoff semi-final to Burnley. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
. Burnley
According to Football Manager, Burnley will finish the season in 5th with 76 points but lose in the playoff final to Sheffield United. Photo: Cameron Smith
. Luton Town
According to Football Manager, Luton Town will finish the season in 6th with 74 points but lose in the playoff semi-final to Sheffield United. Photo: Justin Setterfield
. Birmingham City
According to Football Manager, Birmingham City will finish the season in 7th with 68 points. Photo: Gareth Copley
. Hull City
According to Football Manager, Hull City will finish the season in 8th with 66 points. Photo: Tom Dulat
1. Middlesbrough
According to Football Manager, Middlesbrough will finish the season as champions with 79 points. Photo: George Wood
2. Watford
According to Football Manager, Watford will finish the season in 2nd with 78 points. Photo: Paul Harding
3. Sheffield United
According to Football Manager, Sheffield United will finish the season in 3rdd with 78 points and be promoted via the playoffs. Photo: George Wood
4. Blackburn Rovers
According to Football Manager, Blackburn Rovers will finish the season in 4th with 77 points but lose in the playoff semi-final to Burnley. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall