This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sunderland have had a decent start to their League One campaign with Jack Ross' side in ninth place in the table, just four points off current leaders Wycombe with a game in-hand, ahead of the weekend trip to Accrington Stanley.
The Black Cats' current form has led to defender Joel Lynch coming out in support of his team, saying to The Chronicle: "I feel like I'm coming in to what is already a Championship team,
"I think if you put this team in the Championship they would up their levels again - there is no reason why not, because there is enough quality there and there are some good young players."
So, what do you make of Lynch's claim about Sunderland as being Championship ready? Could they compete in the second tier?
We discuss........
Gary Hutchinson
“Nope, he’s wrong.
“In terms of quality, he’s not far off. I’d rather have their squad than Barnsley’s, Wigan’s or Hull City’s. That’s purely in terms of ability though; it’s laden with class and some of their Under 23 players are potential stars in the making.
“However, for a squad to be Championship ready, in my mind, it has to be a well-oiled unit. It has to function with effectiveness and an understanding of each other. Sunderland’s doesn’t.
“They play like strangers at time and some of the great players in there look average at best. In time, George Dobson for instance will play Championship or higher, but not until Sunderland are tactically aware and playing together.
“In that aspect, they’re definitely League One. At best.”
Jacob Potter
"Sunderland haven’t exactly made a host of signings over the summer to improve their squad, and if they were good enough to be in the Championship this season, then surely they would already be there?
"I’m not doubting that Sunderland will be challenging for promotion this season, but I find it hard to believe they’re a Championship level team just yet."
George Brooks
"Sunderland have got a lot of quality and experience within in their squad - there's no about that.
"They've definitely got players who are good enough for the Championship, but that in itself may not be enough.
"League One is a very competitive division, so if Sunderland do win promotion this season, you can't say they won't have deserved it.
"However, Jack Ross has got to find a way to get the best out of his players and make sure that they can learn from what happened at the end of last season.
"If they can do that, Sunderland have got a great chance of winning promotion this season, though there's no guarantee the team would be able to achieve success in the Championship."