The Championship play-off race is set to go to the wire with eight teams still in with a shout of finishing in the top-six. Tony Mowbray's Sunderland are currently occupying the final play-off spot, but Blackburn Rovers and West Brom have midweek games that could change the complexion of the play-off race once again.
The Wearsiders know their fate relies on others slipping up, but to still be in with a shout of a Premier League return with two games left in the current campaign is nothing short of remarkable. The Black Cats have adjusted brilliantly to life back in the second tier of English football after four seasons in League One.
The Black Cats have two tough games against Chris Wilder's Watford and fellow play-off hopefuls Preston North End. In truth, anything less than maximum points from those two games would seriously hamper any hopes of a return to the top flight.
READ MORE: Tony Mowbray on the crucial factor that could carry Sunderland all the way to the play-offs
However, it won't be plain sailing for a number of their rivals who still have to play one another as the season approaches its climax.
With that in mind, Chronicle Live has taken a look at the remaining fixtures for both Sunderland and their play-off rivals below.
Coventry City 5th
Birmingham (H) Saturday, April 29.
Middlesbrough (A) Monday, May 8.
Sunderland 6th
Watford (H) Saturday, April 29.
Preston (A) Monday, May 8.
Millwall 7th
Blackpool (A) Friday, April 28.
Blackburn Rovers (A) Monday, May 8.
Blackburn Rovers 8th
Burnley (H) Tuesday, April 25.
Luton Town (H) Monday, May 1.
Milwall (A) Monday, May 8.
West Brom 9th
Sheffield United (A), Wednesday, April 26
Norwich City (H) Saturday, April 29.
Swansea City (A) Monday, May 8
Preston 10th
Sheffield United (A) Saturday, April 29.
Sunderland (H) Monday, May 8
Norwich City 11th
West Brom (A) Saturday, April 29.
Blackpool (A) Monday, May 8
Swansea City 12th
Hull City (A) Saturday, April 29.
West Brom (H) Monday, May 8
READ NEXT
- Luke O'Nien makes penalty admission after Sunderland's win at West Brom
- Sunderland's magnificent win at West Brom feels like a massive moment in the play-off race
- EFL confirm Championship play-off dates as Sunderland chase a top six finish
- Tony Mowbray had total faith in 'amazing' Luke O'Nien after his dawn dash to West Brom
- Tony Mowbray hails Dennis Cirkin's 'Premier League quality' after he fires Sunderland into top six
