When Sunderland lost four times in five matches in February and March, they quickly became no more than outside contenders to earn a playoff spot.
Since then, however, a run of three wins and four draws has led to the Black Cats occupying the final place with two matches remaining, both fixtures being against teams with six points of them.
Tony Mowbray’s side were trailing at half time to West Bromwich Albion last time out and defeat would have left the club outside of the top 10.
The fact that a turnaround to prevail 2-1 has led to their current sixth position highlights the small margins for error for all of the teams between fifth and 12th.
Despite their issues with central forwards this campaign, the only time that Sunderland have failed to net in the league since November came away at champions Burnley, where they collected a goalless draw.
While Watford’s lack of stability has sometimes benefitted them in the past, that most certainly has not been the case in their first season back in the second tier.
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The powers-that-be will no doubt be ruing their decision to sack Rob Edwards, now at third-placed Luton Town, after just 11 matches, and the Hornets face a summer of rebuilding.
Current boss Chris Wilder – Watford’s third of the season – will not be at the helm for 2023-24 after collecting just eight points from his nine games in charge.
Nevertheless, to boost his own managerial prospects as much as Watford’s league position, the experienced EFL boss will be eager to end the season on a high against the North East outfit and Stoke City.
