Arsenal, Bournemouth, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Everton, Hull City, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Southampton, Stoke City
Last season
The inevitable great escape. Having occupied one of the bottom three slots more than any of their rivals (excluding the clearly doomed Aston Villa) last season, a change of management once again worked wonders for the Black Cats. Sam Allardyce, with all his experience of steering teams away from the drop, did exactly the same on Wearside. Even sweeter for Sunderland, it was their local rivals Newcastle that took their place in the second tier!
The inevitable great escape. Having occupied one of the bottom three slots more than any of their rivals (excluding the clearly doomed Aston Villa) last season, a change of management once again worked wonders for the Black Cats. Sam Allardyce, with all his experience of steering teams away from the drop, did exactly the same on Wearside. Even sweeter for Sunderland, it was their local rivals Newcastle that took their place in the second tier!
Backroom setup
However, the success experienced by Allardyce came at a cost for the Black Cats. Following the inept showing of the national team at Euro 2016, Allardyce had made it clear that he would be interested in replacing Roy Hodgson as England coach. After a brief interview period, which included the likes of Steve Bruce, Big Sam was selected as Hodgson's replacement, throwing the Wearside club back into uncertainty.
However, one relegation battle expert was replaced by another, with the appointment of David Moyes. Despite suffering a torrid time at Manchester United and Real Sociedad, Moyes has demonstrated his ability to manage in the Premier League, keeping Everton afloat and leading them to Europe in his 10 years in charge at Goodison. He will certainly look to stamp his authority on Sunderland early to get them pulling in the right direction.
However, the success experienced by Allardyce came at a cost for the Black Cats. Following the inept showing of the national team at Euro 2016, Allardyce had made it clear that he would be interested in replacing Roy Hodgson as England coach. After a brief interview period, which included the likes of Steve Bruce, Big Sam was selected as Hodgson's replacement, throwing the Wearside club back into uncertainty.
However, one relegation battle expert was replaced by another, with the appointment of David Moyes. Despite suffering a torrid time at Manchester United and Real Sociedad, Moyes has demonstrated his ability to manage in the Premier League, keeping Everton afloat and leading them to Europe in his 10 years in charge at Goodison. He will certainly look to stamp his authority on Sunderland early to get them pulling in the right direction.
Pre-season
Despite the uncertainty and backroom turmoil, the on-field staff seem to have not been affected, remaining unbeaten throughout their pre-season campaign. In particular, the squad finished with creditable 1-1 draws with both Montpellier and Borussia Dortmund, highlighting the strength of character at the club.
Before the marquee matches, the Black Cats had racked up four consecutive victories on their travels, both in the UK and France. Having started with a comfortable 3-0 win at Hartlepool, which saw Jermain Defoe blitz two in fifteen minutes, Sunderland edged out Rotherham in a 2-1 victory. Having travelled to the continent, two Duncan Watmore penalties saw them surpass Stade Nyonnais, before a tight 3-2 win over Dijon.
Despite the uncertainty and backroom turmoil, the on-field staff seem to have not been affected, remaining unbeaten throughout their pre-season campaign. In particular, the squad finished with creditable 1-1 draws with both Montpellier and Borussia Dortmund, highlighting the strength of character at the club.
Before the marquee matches, the Black Cats had racked up four consecutive victories on their travels, both in the UK and France. Having started with a comfortable 3-0 win at Hartlepool, which saw Jermain Defoe blitz two in fifteen minutes, Sunderland edged out Rotherham in a 2-1 victory. Having travelled to the continent, two Duncan Watmore penalties saw them surpass Stade Nyonnais, before a tight 3-2 win over Dijon.
Squad and signings
Amidst all the chaos and confusion, little has been done in the way of signings so far this year, and the squad remains largely as it was at the end of last season. The club has made a couple of defensive signings, with the additions of Chelsea defensive reject Papy Djilobodji for £8m, as well as raiding Manchester United's youth team for Paddy McNair and Donald Love in a deal worth an estimated £5m. Moyes has also made it clear he would be interested in signing both Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini from Manchester United, but concedes the latter may well be too expensive.
The most high profile exit of the window so far has to be that of Emmanuele Giaccherini, despite an outstanding Euro 2016 with Italy. Having spent the majority of his time at Sunderland away from the Black Cats, he finally made his move back to Italy permanent with a £2m switch to Napoli. Santiago Vergini also made his way back to his native land in a £1.5m move to Boca Juniors, while there were free transfers for Danny Graham, Wes Brown and Steve Harper.
Amidst all the chaos and confusion, little has been done in the way of signings so far this year, and the squad remains largely as it was at the end of last season. The club has made a couple of defensive signings, with the additions of Chelsea defensive reject Papy Djilobodji for £8m, as well as raiding Manchester United's youth team for Paddy McNair and Donald Love in a deal worth an estimated £5m. Moyes has also made it clear he would be interested in signing both Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini from Manchester United, but concedes the latter may well be too expensive.
The most high profile exit of the window so far has to be that of Emmanuele Giaccherini, despite an outstanding Euro 2016 with Italy. Having spent the majority of his time at Sunderland away from the Black Cats, he finally made his move back to Italy permanent with a £2m switch to Napoli. Santiago Vergini also made his way back to his native land in a £1.5m move to Boca Juniors, while there were free transfers for Danny Graham, Wes Brown and Steve Harper.
Tactics
Standard David Moyes tactics require the addition of a muscular man for target practice, having favoured the likes of Victor Anichebe and Yakubu in his Everton days. The acquisition of Fellaini would certainly cover that off, but may hinder the success of Jermain Defoe, who has proven positively prolific since his move to Wearside. That said, the bite in the midfield will remain in the form of Lee Cattermole, while I expect Wahbi Khazri to play a key role over the next 12 months.
Standard David Moyes tactics require the addition of a muscular man for target practice, having favoured the likes of Victor Anichebe and Yakubu in his Everton days. The acquisition of Fellaini would certainly cover that off, but may hinder the success of Jermain Defoe, who has proven positively prolific since his move to Wearside. That said, the bite in the midfield will remain in the form of Lee Cattermole, while I expect Wahbi Khazri to play a key role over the next 12 months.
Predictions
They will inevitably avoid relegation - it's just what they do. With Moyes at the helm, I actually expect them to to it more comfortably than last time. Not much more, but with a few games to spare.
Final position: 15th
