Sunderland will struggle to survive

After a promising start to life under Martin O'Neill 18 months ago, Sunderland are now struggling to secure to their safety in the Premier League. With just four points separating themselves and 18^th placed Wigan Athletic, there is the very real danger that they could drop down into the Championship come May.

There quest to stave off the threat of relegation was dealt a further blow this week with the news that Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole will sit out the remainder of the campaign through injury. Having won just one of the last eight games hasn't aided their cause and with the champions elect making the trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend, it's expected that Manchester United will pile the misery onto the Black Cats.

With just seven wins all season and a lack of cohesion all across the park, losing two key assets has seen many already condemn Sunderland to Championship football next season. With a strong part of the spine already ripped out and team performing poorly enough as it is, the likelihood of the club being dragged into a relegation dogfight increases significantly.

Either way, the task of surviving in the Premier League this season has turned into a challenge that even they may not be able to overcome.  

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