Incredibly, the Championship play-off race has come down to a thrilling shoot-out between NINE teams all vying for what looks like being the final two places - and Sunderland are right in the mix.
Middlesbrough and Luton Town appear to have third and fourth place sewn up, and with Burnley promoted and Sheffield United on the verge of joining them in the Premier League next season, that leaves just fifth and sixth place up for grabs. What makes this year's battle all the more exciting is that the race extends all the way down to Swansea City in 13th, with just six points covering nine clubs.
Tony Mowbray and Sunderland know that three wins from their final three Championship games could well seal a play-off spot - although nothing is guaranteed in what has been a remarkable season so far. That the Black Cats are battling for a place in the end-of-season showdown at all is impressive given their promotion from League One less than 12 months ago, but they are very much in the hunt.
