Sunderland AFC face tremendous amounts of pressure this afternoon as they go head to head with Preston North End at the Deepdale, in their final Championship fixture of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Black Cats are teetering around the play-offs in seventh place, with a win today vital should they wish to keep their Premier League dream for next season alive. However, even in victory, they would need results elsewhere to go in their favour.
SAFC could knock Millwall from sixth place at the death, should The Lions be held to a draw or defeated by Blackburn Rovers.
Read more: Tony Mowbray expects a reaction from Preston, as Sunderland face must-win final day fixture
That's because Sunderland sit on 66 points at the time of writing, with Millwall only on 68 respectively - each with one final game to play this afternoon. While a draw for the London-based club and a victory for the Black Cats would result in both sides sitting on 69 points when the dust settles, SAFC have a goal difference of two on them, meaning they would qualify for the play-offs.
A Blackburn win is a similar state of affairs, with Rovers also sat on 66 points like Sunderland - but SAFC's GD of eight and the Lancashire side's of minus seven will keep the Black Cats in the clear.
Elsewhere, Tony Mowbray's side also depend on West Brown not closing their own goal difference gap of three, which would complicate things further.
Wither everything to play for on the last game of the season, here's everything you need to know about the fixture - including the kick off time and how to watch.
Preston North End vs Sunderland AFC kick off time
The final Championship fixture of the season for the Black Cats is at 3.00pm this afternoon at the Deepdale Stadium.
How to watch Preston North End vs Sunderland AFC
Preston North End vs Sunderland AFC has been selected for live TV coverage by Sky Sports this afternoon. The broadcaster will begin their coverage of the fixture at 2.45pm on Sky Sports Football.
Alternatively, James Hunter will be running Sunderland's live matchday blog right here on Chronicle Live. Tune in from 11.30am for all of the pre-match build-up, as well as live blow by blow reporting as the game gets underway.
Read next:
- Tony Mowbray busts Sunderland promotion myth with big statement
- Sunderland have to go out with 'all guns blazing' on final day as they pursue play-off dream
- Tony Mowbray gives an update on Sunderland's summer plans as the Black Cats prepare for next season
- Tony Mowbray will not worry about results elsewhere as Sunderland focus on task in hand at Preston
- Sunderland's route to securing a play-off place on the final day explained
