This is exactly what Cats must do to finish third in League One
Sunderland have secured a play-off spot – but what are their chances of securing one of what are perceived to be the more favourable positions?
Teams in third and fourth have the benefit of a second-leg tie at home, so what will Sunderland have to do to ensure they finish in one of those positions?
We take a look: THE KEY FIXTURES: Here are the key fixtures to look out for in the final week of the season: Tuesday, May 4: Blackpool v Doncaster Rovers, Charlton Athletic v Lincoln City. Sunday, May 9: Black pool v Bristol Rovers, Lincoln Cityv AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland v Northampton Town
HOW CAN SUNDERLAND FINISH THIRD IN LEAGUE ONE ?: So what combination of results could see Sunderland retain third place in League One?
We’ve crunched the Sunderland win against Northampton Town, Lincoln gain a maximum of three points from their remaining two games, and Blackpool gain a maximum off our points from their last fixtures. This would see Sunderland and Lincoln level on points, but the Black Cats’ superior goal difference would likely be enough.
- Sunderland draw, Lincoln City gain a maximum of one point and Blackpool gain a maximum of three points. This should be enough for Sunderland, barring as even-goal swing.
- Sunderland lose, Lincoln lose both of their remaining games, and Blackpool fail to win both of their games. Again, this would see a tie on points but the Black Cats’ goal difference could see them pip the other sides to third place.
HOW CAN SUNDERLAND FINISH FOURTH IN LEAGUE ONE ?: With Lincoln and Blackpool both having those crucial games in hand, it could be that Sunderland drop at least one place before the season is finished.
Here’s what sequence of results would see the Black Cats finish in fourth:
- Sunderland win against Northampton, but Lincoln pick-up a minimum of four points while Blackpool earn just three points from their final two games.
- Sunderland win, Blackpool win both of their games and Lincoln gain no more than three points – with Sunderland’s goal difference then likely seeing them finish above the Imps.
-Sunderland draw, Lincoln win one of their games and Blackpool drop points in their remaining fixtures.
- Sunderland lose, Lincoln get at least a point from their remaining games–but Blackpool gain no more than two points.
- Sunderland lose, Lincoln lose both of their games and Blackpool win at least one of their two fixtures – with goal difference then hopefully favouring the Wearsiders.
HOW CAN SUNDERLAND FINISH FIFTH IN LEAGUE ONE?: So what sequence of results could see the Black Cats drop two places before the season is out ?:
-If Lincoln pickup a minimum off our points, and Blackpool win both of their games, then Sunderland’s result is irrelevant – and both teams will leapfrog Lee Johnson’s outfit.
- If Sunderland draw, then Lincoln need to just win one game while Blackpool need four points.
- And if Sunderland lose, then Lincoln require only a point and a win will be enough for Blackpool.