Anthony Patterson assesses Sunderland's 22/23 season ahead of Preston finale

Sunderland head to Preston North End on Monday afternoon, for their final Championship game of the 2022/23 season.

But Sunderland could yet be taking part in some unexpected play-off fixtures later this moth.

Tony Mowbray's side currently sit in 7th place of the table and two points behind Millwall in 6th, who go up against another play-off chasing side in Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the campaign.

A win then could potentially see Sunderland qualify for the play-offs, and it would make for a remarkable return to the second tier after their promotion from League One just last year.

And speaking to The Northern Echo ahead of Monday's showdown, goalkeeper and firm fan favourite Anthony Patterson had this to say on Sunderland's season so far:

“The season’s gone so much better than anyone could have hoped. If you look over the course of the season – the injuries we’ve had, playing with no centre-halves at the minute, Rossco (Ross Stewart) missing the majority of the season – we’re still in with a chance going into the last day, which is really impressive.

“I don’t think anyone could have imagined, last summer, that we’d be in this situation. I think consolidation was what was on everyone’s mind, even if they didn’t say it out loud, but we’ve smashed that and hopefully we can do enough to get in the top six.”

After every season in League One, the pressure grew for Sunderland to earn promotion.

And it no doubt took its toll on players and fans, but this season Sunderland have been able to play without that pressure, and they're really flourishing.

Patterson is one of several players who've really taken well to the Championship and Mowbray will be hoping that the youngster will stick around for the long haul.

Sunderland v Preston North End kicks off at 3pm on Monday.

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