Sunderland currently sit 4th in the Championship table as the 2024-25 season enters its crucial final stages. With only a han dful of matches left to play, the Black Cats are firmly in the promotion playoff picture despite a recent run of disappointing results.
This analysis examines Sunderland’s remaining fixtures and what they might mean for the club’s Premier League aspirations.
Current form and league position
Sunderland’s recent form has been concerning, with four losses in their last six matches. Defeats to Swansea City (0-1), Bristol City (1-2), Blackburn Rovers (0-1), and Oxford United (0-2) have put pressure on the team. However, a vital 1-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion and a respectable 0-0 draw with Norwich City have helped maintain their playoff position.
The team’s current 4th place standing puts them in a strong position for the Championship playoffs, though automatic promotion now seems unlikely given their recent form slump.
Key upcoming fixture: Queens Park Rangers
The most immediate fixture on Sunderland’s calendar is a home match against Queens Park Rangers, scheduled for May 3, 2025, at 12:30 PM local time. This match represents a critical opportunity for Sunderland to solidify their playoff position.
QPR have traditionally been a mid-table Championship side, making this a fixture Sunderland will target for maximum points. Home advantage at the Stadium of Light could prove decisive as the Black Cats look to build momentum heading into the final matches of the season.
Playoff implications
Sunderland have already shown their playoff credentials by defeating Coventry City 2-1 on aggregate in what appears to be a playoff fixture. This result demonstrates the team’s ability to perform in high-pressure knockout situations.
The Championship playoffs typically involve the teams finishing 3rd through 6th in the regular season, with semifinals played over two legs before a final at Wembley Stadium. Sunderland’s current 4th place position would likely pit them against the 5th-placed team in the playoff semifinals.
Recent results analysis
| Opponent | Result | Competition |
|———-|——–|————-|
| West Bromwich Albion | W 1-0 | Championship |
| Norwich City | D 0-0 | Championship |
| Swansea City | L 0-1 | Championship |
| Bristol City | L 1-2 | Championship |
| Blackburn Rovers | L 0-1 | Championship |
| Oxford United | L 0-2 | Championship |
| Coventry City | W 2-1 (agg.) | Playoff fixture |
The pattern of results suggests defensive solidity in some matches but difficulty finding the back of the net. Sunderland have failed to score in four of their last six league matches, a concerning trend that manager will need to address before the crucial final fixtures and potential playoff campaign.
Path to promotion
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Sunderland’s path to Premier League promotion will almost certainly be through the playoffs rather than automatic promotion, The team’s experience in their victory over Coventry City provides a template for success.
The Championship playoff final, often described as the richest game in football due to the financial rewards of Premier League promotion, would likely take place in late May at Wembley Stadium. If Sunderland can rediscover their scoring touch while maintaining defensive discipline, they have every chance of returning to the top flight for the first time since the 2016-17 season.