Nine ways Cats can beat drop

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness...”

Sunderland have nine games to save their season and need all the help they can get. We have played on the nine lives theme for the Black Cats with our front page headline today, but it’s a struggle to find nine reasons why Sunderland could beat the drop.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way and hope springs eternal.

So here’s nine reasons why Sunderland might just do it, although they may be the weakest nine reasons you’ve ever heard.

1. The majority of the last nine games are at home. If home advantage is to count for anything, Sunderland will at least have five of the nine at the Stadium of Light.

2. The manager still believes. Chris Coleman believes his team were unlucky on Saturday, but saw grit from his players.

3. The fans. Despite their lowly position, Sunderland still has one of the biggest followings in the division, and that support will surely count for something in the run in.

4. We’ve been here before. They may have been relegated last season, but lessons will have been learned. It could stand them in good stead.

5. Nothing to lose. With wins needed, Sunderland can throw caution to the wind and go for broke.

6. Promotion jitters. While SAFC play promotion hopefuls, their opponents may buckle under the pressure.

7. Youth. SAFC boast some promising youngsters. They can come good in the run in.

8. Experience. The old hands could turn things round.

9. Black Cats are meant to be lucky.

Desperate, we know, but here’s hoping...