A draw with Fleetwood Town and defeat at Coventry City put the blockers on Sunderland’s surge up the table, with fans concerned about the club’s promotion hopes.
But where do the data experts at FiveThirtyEight think the Black Cats will finish in League One? Scroll down to find out:
1. 23rd - Bolton Wanderers
Predicted points total: 21 | Getty Images Photo: Gareth Copley
2. 22nd - Southend United
Predicted points total: 25 | Getty Images Photo: Tom Dulat
3. 21st - Tranmere Rovers
Predicted points total: 36 | Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey
4. 20th - Rochdale
Predicted points total: 45 | Getty Images Photo: Charlotte Tattersall