Football Manager can be used to help unearth hidden gems, find some of the strengths and weaknesses of players and to help gauge what could happen in the future.
Sunderland have had a very solid return to the Championship and under Tony Mowbray look like potentially challenging at the top end of the table.
Recent wins over promotion hopefuls Millwall and Blackburn Rovers have cemented Sunderland’s real claims of threatening teams in and around the playoff picture - but will they be able to sustain this over the season?
Here, we take a look at what Football Manager is predicting could be in store for Sunderland this season.
Do you agree with these predictions? Where do you think Sunderland will finish the campaign? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there: