Sunderland are up to second in League One and in an automatic promotion spot following a 1-1 draw with Burton Albion last night, a result that leaves them two points clear of third placed Barnsley with a game still in hand on their Yorkshire rivals.

It would seem that Sky Sports EFL pundits, Scott Minto, Danny Higginbotham, David Prutton, Don Goodman, Andy Hinchcliffe and Keith Andrews believe this is the case, with all six predicting the Black Cats will secure an automatic spot as reported on the Chronicle Live.

So are the pundits right in their Sunderland predictions?

We discuss........

Gary Hutchinson

“It’s a no brainer.

“The word ‘pip’ to me suggests coming up the inside and stealing it.

“The truth is, had Sunderland not missed so many matches, they’d be above Barnsley now.

“They’ll finish second and I think Portsmouth third.”

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Jacob Potter

"I think they’re right on this one.

"Sunderland haven’t been at their best in recent weeks, but I think their games in hand will see them over the line.

"They need to improve though, otherwise Barnsley aren’t the sort of team that will let off in the race for an automatic promotion spot."

George Harbey

"I think you’ve got to say that they are the favourites now.

"If they win their game in hand, they will go four points clear of Barnsley, which is a lot to turn around at this stage of the campaign in my honest opinion.

"I think we are starting to see their real quality now, and when they are at their best, I can’t see anybody touching Jack Ross’ men."