The Black Cats sit 6th in the Championship table with two matches left to play in the regular league campaign.
But which teams have the most favourable run-ins on paper?
With league leaders Burnley already promoted, here’s a look at this season’s remaining games for the clubs battling for automatic promotion and play-off positions.
1. (12th) Swansea
Played: 44 | Points: 62 | Remaining games: Hull (A), West Brom (H) Photo: Michael Steele
2. (11th) Norwich
Played: 44 | Points: 62 | Remaining fixtures: West Brom (A), Blackpool (H) Photo: Henry Browne
3. (10th) Preston
Played: 44 | Points: 63 | Remaining games: Sheffield United (A), Sunderland (H) Photo: Clive Brunskill
4. (9th) West Brom
Played: 43 | Points: 63 | Remaining fixtures: Sheffield United (A), Norwich (H), Swansea (A) Photo: Catherine Ivill