AliousSunderland appear destined for the Championship play-offs, where they’ll face intense competition in their bid for Premier League promotion.
Currently sitting fourth in the table under Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats find themselves in a peculiar position—too far behind the automatic promotion spots to mount a serious challenge but comfortably ahead of the chasing pack in the play-off race. With a nine-point gap separating them from second place and a 15-point cushion over sixth-placed West Brom, their fate as play-off contenders is virtually sealed.
This weekend, Sunderland travel to face former manager Tony Mowbray and his West Brom side, a match that could serve as a preview of a potential play-off showdown. With the post-season now looking inevitable, Sunderland fans are beginning to consider the best—and worst—possible opponents in their path to Wembley.
Play-Off Opponents Sunderland Would Welcome**
West Brom
Mowbray’s West Brom are firmly in the play-off hunt, but Sunderland have reason to be optimistic if they face the Baggies. The Black Cats remain unbeaten in their last four encounters with West Brom, collecting 10 points from a possible 12.
Adding to Sunderland’s confidence, former Black Cats striker Josh Maja—who controversially left the club for Bordeaux in 2019—is sidelined with injury. With 15 goals this season, Maja’s absence would significantly weaken West Brom’s attack. Furthermore, history isn’t on the Baggies’ side—they have never won promotion via the play-offs, which could weigh on them if they go down this route.
Middlesbrough
Regional rivals Middlesbrough are level on points with West Brom and could still force their way into the play-offs. However, Sunderland have had the upper hand in recent meetings.
A 1-0 victory in the first half of the season—sealed by a stylish Chris Rigg backheel—was followed by a thrilling 3-2 win in February, thanks to an own goal forced by Enzo Le Fee’s skill. While Boro possess attacking threats like Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway, Sunderland’s perfect record against them this season would inspire confidence in a play-off rematch.
Bristol City
If Bristol City manage to break into the top six, Sunderland would likely be pleased with the match-up. A late equalizer secured a point against them earlier in the season, and the two sides will meet again later this month.
Liam Manning’s side have struggled against top opposition, recently losing to Burnley. Given Sunderland’s quality, they would expect to handle the Robins if they were drawn together in the play-offs.
Opponents Sunderland Would Rather Avoid
Leeds United
Despite recent stumbles—including 2-2 draws against Swansea and QPR—Leeds remain one of the most dangerous sides in the league. If they drop out of the automatic promotion spots, they’ll be overwhelming favorites to triumph in the play-offs.
Sunderland have struggled against Leeds this season, securing just one point from two meetings—a draw that only came after a last-minute goalkeeping error from Illan Meslier. Leeds possess talent across the pitch and have shown resilience in tight games, making them a formidable challenge in a high-stakes knockout scenario.
Burnley
The Clarets and Leeds are locked in a battle for second place, but if Burnley end up in the play-offs, they will be a nightmare opponent.
Boasting an astonishingly strong defense—having conceded just 11 goals in 39 league games—Burnley are incredibly difficult to break down. Even when Sunderland did manage to cause them problems, as in their recent clash at Turf Moor, luck wasn’t on their side. Wilson Isidor saw two late penalties saved, and the psychological scars from that defeat could linger in a potential rematch.
Coventry City
Sunderland’s long-time bogey team, Coventry, are surging towards a play-off spot under Frank Lampard. Their dominance over Sunderland continued last month with a 3-0 win, exposing an uncharacteristically weak performance from the Black Cats.
Sunderland have struggled against Coventry in recent years, collecting just two points from the last 12 available. Injuries have also plagued their meetings, adding another layer of difficulty should they be drawn together in the play-offs.
Sunderland’s Play-Off Hopes
While facing Leeds, Burnley, or Coventry would be daunting, Sunderland aren’t without their own strengths. With a blend of youth and experience—including playmakers like Le Fee and the ever-reliable Chris Mepham—Sunderland have the tools to challenge any play-off rival.
The road to Wembley will be anything but easy, but no team will relish the thought of facing Sunderland in a two-legged tie or a decisive final. If they can rise to the occasion, the Black Cats might just claw their way back to the Premier League.
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