Fans predict the Cats will finish season with a play-off lottery
Sunderland are well on track for a place in the play-offs this season – but automatic promotion may prove a step too far.
That’s the verdict of the supporters who responded to our Big S AFC Survey, who still remain unsure whether the Black Cats can seal a return to the Championship.
Lee Johnson’s side have moved themselves back into promotion contention in recent weeks with some eye-catching performances and results, and currently sit within the play-off places with ahead of a hectic end to the 2020/21 campaign.
And while the top two remains a real possibility, only 2.9% of those who responded to our survey felt that Sunderland would secure automatic promotion this season.
The majority of supporters –a convincing59.8%–felt that the Wearsiders would finish within the top six and have to enter the lottery of the playoffs, while a further 34.9% believed a top-half finish was the best the club could hope for this term.
When asked how confident they were of Sunderland sealing promotion this season, only 11.4% of fans said they believed the Cats would get out of League One at the third time of asking with 88.6% not confident of a return to the second tier.
So where will the blame lie if the Black Cats are unsuccessful in gaining promotion?
Supporters offered a mixed take on this, with many believing a number of people and factors would be at fault.
But the outgoing ownership group (28%), the playing squad (26.3%) and the fact that the club have gained too many draws (25.9%) were all sources of blame.