Sunderland AFC are locked in a four-way fight with Burnley, pace-setters Leeds United and Sheffield United in the Championship this season for two automatic promotion places.
The Black Cats have sat around fourth spot since late-November despite losing just two of their 15 league matches after drawing almost as many matches as they have won. However, only five points separate them from the Blades in second, with Leeds still a further two ahead.
They are the two teams Regis Le Bris and his squad need to drop points over the forthcoming weeks and months. ChroncileLive has taken a closer look some huge matches around the corner;
Leeds United vs Sunderland (Monday, February 17, 8pm kick-off)
After salvaging a draw at the Stadium of Light in early October, taking points off Leeds at Elland Road is certainly Sunderland’s best chance to keep the Whites within touching distance. It is also the Black Cats’ last match against the three teams above them in the table.
Sheffield United vs Leeds United (Monday, February 24, 8pm kick-off)
Depending on how Sunderland fare at Elland Road, their fans will either hope the Whites take all three points at Bramall Lane – or settle for a draw. The Blades and Leeds play twice as many matches against the top-four teams than Burnley or the Black Cats, so double the potential for dropped points.
West Bromwich Albion vs Sunderland (Saturday, April 5, 3pm kick-off)
On paper, a visit to Tony Mowbray’s West Brom appears to be the toughest test for Sunderland after the March international break. It also precedes a midweek trip to Norwich City – so it is the start of a seismic week for their play-off hopes ahead of another potentially problematic doubleheader over the Easter bank holidays.
Burnley vs Sheffield United (Monday, April 21, 3pm kick-off)
Over two months (and a dozen matches) before this fixture takes place, it is hard to say what result would benefit the Black Cats best. However, knowing at least one of the three above Sunderland will drop points in their third to last match of the season could well be crucial.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/four-massive-championship-matches-could-30976234
