Sunderland’s chances of promotion to the Premier League continue to drop after their draw to Watford.
The Black Cats were held to a stalemate against Tom Cleverley’s Watford this weekend, where Sunderland bagged a goal late on through Dennis Cirkin to claim one point.
Sunderland were expected to see off the Watford side that were significantly out-of-form heading into the clash at the Stadium of Light, but Regis Le Bris’ set-up did his side no favours as they were incredibly lacking in the final third.
Wilson Isidor looked decent when on the ball, notably setting up Cirkin in the dying embers to make it 2-2, but the Frenchman had incredibly little service after being utilised as a sole striker in a formation that he has previously disregarded.
Because of the disappointing draw at the weekend, the chances of promotion have been rated, and they have dropped even further in recent weeks.
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Sunderland handed promotion prediction as Leeds United and rivals steam ahead
Following their 2-2 draw against Watford, the Black Cats’ chances of promotion to the Premier League have once again been rated.
Per Opta Analyst, Sunderland’s chance of reaching the Premier League now stands at 8.94% likelihood, which has dropped from a previous 9.44% chance from two weeks ago.
Comparing this to Sunderland’s rivals in the promotion race, Leeds United look more likely to confirm a return to the top-flight, with a chance of 90.20%, whilst Burnley and Sheffield United have a 51.16% and 49.70% chance respectively.
In terms of expected points, Le Bris’ side look on course to finish on 83.37 points, which would see them complete the Championship season six points off the automatic promotion spots, but also comfortably in the play-offs by 18 points.
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Black Cats play-off finish would still highlight incredible impact by Regis Le Bris
Whilst during this season Le Bris’ side have, and still are contenders for automatic promotion, the recent draws against Plymouth Argyle and Watford appear to have swung the likelihood of promotion out of the Black Cats’ favour.
Nonetheless, a play-off finish would still be incredible for Sunderland to achieve in Le Bris’ debut season in English football.
In comparison to the lacklustre 2023/24 Championship campaign that saw the Black Cats slump to a lowly 16th placed finish, the French boss has done incredible to turn the mood of the club around, and the ability on the pitch.
Despite recent home performances being sub-par, it has still been an incredible campaign for Le Bris, who deserves unwavering credit for what he has achieved with this crop of players.