Sunderland know they must win at Preston North End and other results must go their way if they want to secure their place in the Championship top-six. Tony Mowbray and his side have done a fantastic job to even be in contention for the play-offs having won promotion from League One last season.
The Wearsiders have needed almost a complete rebuild under new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, but his side have defied the odds to even be in contention. The loss of Ellis Simms and injury to Ross Stewart has seen the Black Cats play most of the season without a focal point up front, with Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt doing well to shoulder that burden.
A win over Preston and favours from elsewhere would see the Wearsiders continue their impressive rise up the Football League with Premier League football the long-term aim. The Black Cats have enjoyed some memorable finals days of the season, while others are memorable for all the wrong reasons.
