Sunderland's positive start to the Championship season has seen a significant rethink on the final-table predictions. While there was plenty of optimism on Wearside as the campaign got under way, a series of 'super computers' including our own, tipped the Black Cats for a year of struggle.
A selection of algorithms use date to predict how the table will finish, and in July the prediction for the Wearsiders was not a good one. However, a strong start to their return to the Championship has seen many rethink their outcomes.
Despite Alex Neil's exit, Sunderland have managed to stay on track and although they lost Monday night's North East clash with Middlesbrough, they sit in eighth place in the table after eight games.
READ MORE: Tony Mowbray believes Sunderland can compete with anyone in the Championship
Now the analysts at FiveThirtyEight have produced their latest final table, with a position of 15th predicted for Sunderland. While this may be short of many fan's hopes, it's worth noting that's just ten points off what they feel will be necessary to reach the play-offs.
They have been given an estimated 11 per cent chance of finishing in the top six, and there's only believed to be a 15 per cent chance of the Black Cats being relegated. Of course, this is just data-driven speculation, but it shows how important that solid start was for Sunderland.
They have lost only narrowly to promotion hopefuls Norwich City, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, something not lost on new manager Tony Mowbray, who believes his side can compete with anyone in the table.
"I've only been with the players for three or four days, but I think they all look you in the eye, and the ones that have strong opinions I want to bring those out," said Mowbray. "I'm here to guide them and help them along the way. Throughout my 40-odd years in football, I think the best players have an empathy for the team and they have suggestions and ideas and they demand of each other.
"We have to develop and grow that as the culture of the club. I know the supporters will drive the team, but internally we have to drive the team as well. They should enjoy their football and enjoy wearing the shirt. But I see enough in them that they can compete with anybody in this league, and that's a great credit to them and to the work that has been done before I got here."
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