Sunderland will kick-off their 2022/23 Championship season in a week’s time when they host Coventry City on Sunday, July 31, and a supercomputer has predicted their first five matches. Alex Neil’s side secured a return to the Championship after a four-year absence courtesy of a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off final at Wembley in May.
The Sunderland boss has had a full pre-season to work with his squad, compared to his February introduction. His arrival heralded a remarkable upturn in fortunes as the Black Cats lost just one of their final 15 league games (W8 D6) to qualify for the play-offs.
Neil has added to his squad with the signings of centre-backs Daniel Ballard and Aji Alese from Arsenal and West Ham respectively. Jack Clarke and Leon Dajaku, who were on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur and Union Berlin respectively last season, have also signed on permanent deals.
