Sunderland have only a slender chance of automatic promotion. That’s according to OPTA Analyst who have looked at the top four situation in what is a competitive division.

The Black Cats have maintained a healthy promotion push and remain in a strong position in the top four of the Championship despite the slip-up against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

The Wearsiders have shown their quality to be one of the best in the second tier and have managed to maintain the pace with Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley who are considered to have better budgets having recently dropped out of the Premier League. The latter two drew 0-0 last night in a drab affair.

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Now the club’s chances of promotion have been rated compared to their rivals.

The Black Cats, no matter where this season takes them from this point onwards, have drastically improved under French boss Regis Le Bris. Several of the players, particularly in the lower age bracket, have improved and increased their resale value while thrilling the Sunderland supporters with their brand of exciting football.

While the 2-2 draw against Plymouth meant the club were unable to fully capitalise on Sheffield United’s home defeat to Hull City, they are still very much in the hunt for the top two spots.

According to OPTA Analyst, Sunderland currently have a 9.44 per cent chance of achieving automatic promotion, while also having an 89.12 per cent chance of a play-off finish.

Compared to their fellow promotion rivals, Sunderland are seen as the outsiders, with Leeds United being handed an 83.98 per cent chance of finishing in the automatic spots, while Burnley and Sheffield United have been given the predicted chances of 68.40 per cent and 38.00 per cent respectively.

There is no taking anything away from Le Bris if he finishes in the play-offs with this Sunderland side, something that will be a real achievement for the Frenchman in his debut season of English football.

But regardless of their chances on paper, they are right in the mix and will be targeting automatic promotion.