CHAMPIONSHIP BOMBSHELL: Sunderland’s SHOCKING New Prediction STUNS Fans – The DRAMATIC Table Twist in CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunderland is gearing up for a crucial weekend as they aim to strengthen their push for automatic promotion with two consecutive home fixtures. The Black Cats will welcome relegation-threatened Cardiff City to the Stadium of Light, hoping to build on their recent victory over Sheffield Wednesday. A positive result would set them up nicely for Tuesday’s clash against Preston North End.

Sunderland’s promotion rivals will also be in action, with Sheffield United and Burnley both hosting games on Saturday against Luton Town and Preston, respectively. Meanwhile, all eyes will turn to Sunday when league leaders Leeds United travel to Fratton Park to face a resurgent Portsmouth. Leeds currently hold a three-point lead over Sheffield United and a five-point cushion over third-placed Burnley, making this a potentially defining weekend in the title race.

For Sunderland, this season has already exceeded expectations, and while automatic promotion remains possible, securing a playoff spot appears increasingly likely. Head coach Regis Le Bris has acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead, emphasizing the importance of squad rotation to maintain their promotion push.

Discussing the challenges of the season’s final stretch, Le Bris stated last month: “I only focus on the next game. We can’t predict how things will evolve with injuries, form, and confidence. Our squad depth is stronger now, and fresh legs will be key. Players who have logged heavy minutes need support, and having more options helps us manage the workload.”

With just 11 games remaining, Sunderland remains hopeful of returning to the Premier League. But where do the data experts at Opta predict they will finish in the Championship table?

Predicted Championship Standings (via Opta)

1. Leeds United – 99 points
2. Sheffield United – 92 points
3. Burnley – 91 points
4. Sunderland – 83 points
5. Coventry City – 70 points
6. West Bromwich Albion – 69 points
7. Blackburn Rovers – 67 points
8. Middlesbrough – 66 points
9. Bristol City – 65 points
10. Watford – 64 points
11. Norwich City – 64 points
12. Sheffield Wednesday – 60 points
13. Millwall – 60 points
14. Preston North End – 60 points
15. QPR – 57 points
16. Swansea City – 54 points
17. Portsmouth – 53 points
18. Cardiff City – 50 points
19. Oxford United – 50 points
20. Hull City – 49 points
21. Stoke City – 49 points
22. Plymouth Argyle – 43 points
23. Luton Town – 42 points
24. Huddersfield Town – 41 points

Sunderland’s fourth-place projection suggests a playoff battle awaits, but with the Championship as unpredictable as ever, a late surge could still see them push for automatic promotion.