A poor run of form has derailed a dream Premier League return for Sunderland, according to the bookmakers. Just one win in seven has resulted in the Black Cats surrendering their play-off spot.
Ross Stewart’s season-ending injury has proven fatal for Sunderland, who now sit seven points outside the top six despite occupying fourth spot at the turn of the year. SkyBet are offering a whopping 100/1 for Sunderland to secure Championship promotion.
For context, the Black Cats were priced at 6/1 at the start of the campaign. Bizarrely, Tony Mowbray’s side, currently 13 points above the drop zone, are just 14/5 to be relegated.
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Returning to League One would be a catastrophic scenario for Sunderland fans after enduring four years in the third tier. Elsewhere, Michael Carrick is evens to finish his remarkable Middlesbrough turnaround.
Boro were fighting for their lives when the former Manchester United replaced Chris Wilder in October. However, the Teessiders have transformed into one of the division’s most ruthless sides - slashing Sheffield United’s lead on the automatic promotion places to three points.
Burnley (1/1000) are shoo-ins for promotion, with the bookies also tipping the Blades (1/5), Boro (evens), Luton Town (11/4), Millwall (5/1) and Norwich City (8/1) to reach the play-offs. Wigan Athletic (1/20) Huddersfield Town and Blackpool (both 1/4) are tipped for the drop.
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