Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, giving his assessment of their survival prospects this season.
The Black Cats sealed promotion after beating Sheffield United in last season’s Championship play-off final, ending an eight-year exile from the top flight. Following a busy summer in the transfer market, Regis Le Bris’ side have made an impressive start, collecting eight points from their opening five matches. That run sees them sit seventh in the table, just two points behind second-placed Arsenal.
🔵 Shearer on Sunderland’s survival hopes
Sunderland’s strong home record has been key to their early momentum. Seven of their eight points have come at the Stadium of Light, with wins over West Ham and Brentford, plus a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Aston Villa despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Villa manager Unai Emery even praised the Sunderland supporters after that game. Away from home, however, results have been less convincing, with a 2-0 defeat at Burnley and a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
Although Shearer isn’t exactly adored on Wearside, his prediction that Sunderland can survive this season will please many of their supporters. Speaking to Betfair, the Magpies icon said:
“At home, Sunderland are unbeaten, and when you look at the three promoted teams, they’ve made a really strong start. Sunderland, even with ten men, have shown fight, and that sends a message that visiting teams won’t find it easy. It’s still very early, but many people will now believe Sunderland can stay up. With their home form, they’ve got a real chance.”
Shearer added that home advantage would always be crucial for any of the newly promoted clubs, and Sunderland should be delighted with how they’ve begun life back in the Premier League.
📊 The numbers tell a different story
While Shearer is optimistic, the statistics are less encouraging. Data from Opta’s predictive model still tips Sunderland to finish 18th, which would mean relegation alongside Wolves and Burnley. According to the model, the Black Cats have a 14.95% chance of ending up 18th, with their next most likely position being 17th (12.75%), just outside the drop zone.
Sunderland will be aiming to improve those odds when they travel to face Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Leave a Reply