Sunderland’s 2024 Showdown: Can the Black Cats Overcome Sheffield United and Push for Promotion?
Sunderland face a challenging run into 2025, with a high-stakes clash against joint-leaders Sheffield United looming large. Under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have passed the early tests, showing resilience despite a few setbacks. As they prepare for this key match, the Black Cats will look to build on their strong start and keep their promotion hopes alive.
Sunderland’s 2024: Can the Black Cats Maintain Their Top Spot in a Tough Run?Despite a tough setback in September with a defeat at Watford, Sunderland have shown resilience under Regis Le Bris, bouncing back with four wins in five matches and remaining unbeaten since. However, a recent disappointment against Coventry City left them with three consecutive draws, putting a dent in their momentum.
Even with this, Sunderland hold firm at the top of the Championship table. As they look ahead to the rest of 2024, here’s our prediction for how the Black Cats will fare in their upcoming fixtures…
Sunderland’s 2024: Tough Test at Millwall Looms for Black Cats
Sunderland’s next challenge comes against Millwall away, always a tricky fixture in the Championship, especially with key players like Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts, and Jobe Bellingham suspended. Millwall, sitting in 8th place and unbeaten in their last seven matches, will be tough opposition. Given the circumstances, a point would be a solid outcome for Sunderland here.
Score prediction: Millwall 1-1 Sunderland
Sunderland’s 2024: West Brom Visit the Stadium of Light in Top-Six Clash
West Brom, currently in the top six, ended a frustrating six-game draw streak with a 2-1 victory over Hull City in their last match. However, the Baggies have been relatively quiet in attack, scoring just 16 goals, while their defense has been solid, conceding only nine. This will be a tough test for Sunderland, but with home advantage, they will be confident of keeping their momentum going.
Score prediction: Sunderland 2-1 West Brom
Sunderland’s 2024: Crucial Tests Ahead with Sheffield United Showdown
The upcoming trip to Sheffield United will be Sunderland’s toughest challenge yet. The Blades have been climbing the table and would be top of the Championship if not for a two-point deduction earlier in the season. With their best players returning from suspension and injury, Sheffield United will be a formidable opponent. However, Sunderland will give a strong fight, and securing a point here would be a solid result.
Score prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Sunderland
Sunderland’s 2024: Must-Win Clash Against Stoke City at Home
Stoke City will visit the Stadium of Light, and this is the kind of match Sunderland need to win convincingly if they are to stay in the promotion race. With home advantage on their side, Sunderland should have enough to secure a comfortable victory.
Score prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Stoke City
Sunderland’s 2024: Bristol City Test at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland will need to be cautious against mid-table teams like Bristol City, who have the potential to cause problems. While the Robins sit 5th in the away form table and will be confident, Sunderland will be hoping to bounce back from previous draws and secure all three points. However, this could be a tight encounter.
Score prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Bristol City
Sunderland’s 2024: Key Fixtures Ahead with Swansea and Norwich
Sunderland will see their trip to Swansea City as a must-win, especially if they drop points at home to Bristol City. Swansea have been steady but unspectacular this season, and Sunderland will be confident of claiming all three points in this one.
Score prediction: Swansea City 0-2 Sunderland
Meanwhile, Norwich City’s slow start to the season continues, with the Canaries struggling to find form and having lost their last three matches. Sunderland will be looking to capitalize on this and secure a solid victory at the Stadium of Light.
Score prediction: Sunderland 3-1 Norwich City
Sunderland’s 2024: Boxing Day Clash with Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland face a tough trip to Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day, with the hosts challenging for a top-six spot. Although Sunderland were on the receiving end of a heavy 5-1 defeat in their last encounter, they managed a solid 3-1 win at Ewood Park the last time they visited. Given Blackburn’s current form, a draw would be a positive result for Sunderland in this challenging away fixture.
Score prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s 2024: Tough Away Trip to Stoke City to End the Year
Sunderland face a tough away fixture at Stoke City in their second meeting with the Potters in quick succession. Playing at the bet365 Stadium on a chilly afternoon, it will be a challenging match for the Black Cats. A point would be a solid result for Sunderland as they look to close out 2024 on a positive note.
Score prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Sunderland
Where Will Sunderland Be in the Championship Table by 2025?
With the above prediction, Sunderland would accumulate 46 points from 27 matches by the end of 2024. While this would place them in a strong position, based on last season’s table, it would land them in 5th place—still firmly in the playoff hunt, but far from the top spot.
Considering the Black Cats’ impressive start to the season, this would be a bit of a letdown for their ambitious supporters, especially given the 65 points that Leicester City had at the top by New Year’s Day in 2024. However, Sunderland would still be well within striking distance of promotion, meaning there’s plenty of time for them to push for automatic promotion in the second half of the campaign.