Sunderland are back in the Championship play-offs, but this time, they arrive in poor form and under growing pressure.
A late-season decline saw them drop out of the automatic promotion race, and they now face a difficult semi-final against Coventry City.
Despite the current uncertainty, a recent comment from former striker Ross Stewart has resonated with fans, who will be praying it comes true.
Stewart remarked of his previous club: “I’ll certainly be watching the Play-Offs over the next week or two, and I wish them the best.” I hope they get a promotion. It’s a club that should compete in the Premier League.”
Poor form at the worst time for Sunderland AFC
Sunderland’s recent form leading into the play-offs is concerning.
With only two wins in their last nine league games, it’s clear that this team has lost momentum at the worst possible time.
Even worse than two victories in nine, they’ve lost five straight.
| Past five games form | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal difference | Points |
| Coventry City | 2 | 1 | 2 | +1 | 7 |
| Sunderland AFC | 0 | 0 | 5 | -6 | 0 |
Their opponents, Coventry City, have also had an uneven season, but they’ve been in stronger form over the past month and bring more momentum into the semi-final.
Coventry also benefit from recent experience, having reached the play-off final only two years ago.
Sunderland will need to find additional equipment.
There is no margin for error in a two-legged tie. If they continue their terrible form, their chances of promotion will be over by mid-May.
Some have stated that the drop in form is due to the fact that they have been essentially promised play-offs for some time, and that automatic promotion was too far away given the strength of Leeds United, Burnley, and Sheffield United.
They’ve played the last few months with little to play for and no pressure, so perhaps they can still rise to the situation in a major game that counts.
Stewart’s comments highlight the stakes
Stewart became a fan favourite at Sunderland due to his goals, work ethic, and contribution to the club’s promotion from League One in 2021/22.
He understands how important this club is to its fans and how much a return to the Premier League would change things.
With Southampton just relegated from the Premier League, his former team now has the opportunity to overtake his present one.
Promotion would be huge for the Black Cats.
Not only does it provide a financial boost, but it also restores them to their rightful place. They are yet to return to the Premier League after being relegated to League One in both 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons.
Many believe this club to be one of the largest in the country, so playing in the Premier League is critical for a club and following of this scale.
This playoff campaign could also have a significant impact on crucial players’ futures.
Without promotion, Sunderland will struggle to retain quality talent such as Jobe Bellingham, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
The longer Sunderland remain in the Championship, the more difficult it will be to retain players who want to challenge themselves at the top level.
Managerially, there are some questions. Regis Le Bris and the coaching staff have come under pressure as a result of the current slump. If they fall short against Coventry, there could be changes in the summer, especially if the team plays poorly in both games.
Stewart’s play-off acumen
The Scottish striker understands what it’s like to play and achieve in the play-offs for Sunderland, having been a major member of the team that advanced from League One in the 2021/22 season.
He scored the only goal in the semi-final first leg against Sheffield Wednesday, then added the second goal in the final at Wembley Stadium as the Black Cats defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-0.
That season brought them back from the depths of League One, and they have since established themselves as a Championship club vying for promotion, with realistic hopes of doing so this season.
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