We asked AI how Sunderland's Premier League fixtures would play out, after they were released on Wednesday (June 18). _(Image: Nick Potts / PA)_
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Sunderland fans welcomed their first Premier League fixture announcement in nearly 10 years on Wednesday as the schedule for their top-tier return was rubber stamped.
The [Black Cats](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland)' first game back in the top-flight after last season's promotion will see them host the Hammers at the Stadium of Light in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, August 16.
But, we wondered how the team may fair in the games that have been scheduled, so we asked AI to predict the scores of each fixture.
Here's how the months played out, but it may provide tough reading for Sunderland fans looking for an early win in the league...
Sunderland's Chris Rigg celebrates promotion to the Premier League at Wembley Stadium. _(Image: John Walton / PA)_ AI predictions through ChatGPT:
**August** Aug 16 vs West Ham (H) – 1–1 (D)
Sunderland start with energy and aggression at the Stadium of Light, buoyed by a vocal home crowd. West Ham’s experience sees them equalise late on through a set piece.
Aug 23 at Burnley (A) – 0–1 (L)
Le Bris sets up compactly, but the lack of midfield creativity proves costly. Burnley take advantage of a defensive lapse to snatch the win.
Aug 30 vs Brentford (H) – 1–2 (L)
Sunderland score early from a corner, but Brentford gradually take control. Their ability to break with pace proves the difference in the second half.
**September** Sep 13 at Crystal Palace (A) – 0–1 (L)
Palace’s physical approach edges a scrappy contest. Sunderland create little and struggle with Palace’s wing play.
Sep 20 vs Aston Villa (H) – 0–3 (L)
Villa’s midfield quality dominates from the start. Sunderland’s defence cracks under sustained pressure.
Sep 27 at Nottingham Forest (A) – 1–1 (D)
A resilient away performance sees Sunderland hold Forest at bay. Isidor nets the equaliser from a rare counter.
**October** Oct 4 at Man Utd (A) – 0–3 (L)
Sunderland are overwhelmed by United’s pace and movement. Despite a dogged first half, gaps open up after the break.
Oct 18 vs Wolves (H) – 2–1 (W)
A vital win, with Sunderland pressing high early and scoring twice. Wolves pull one back, but the hosts hold firm.
Oct 25 at Chelsea (A) – 0–2 (L)
Chelsea dominate possession and territory. Sunderland defend well in the first half but are undone by quality finishing.
Sunderland fans in the stands celebrate promotion to the Premier League. _(Image: John Walton / PA)_ **November** Nov 1 vs Everton (H) – 1–0 (W)
A tense affair is decided by a header from a corner. Sunderland’s defensive organisation sees them through.
Nov 8 vs Arsenal (H) – 0–3 (L)
Arsenal’s fluid attacking play proves too slick. Sunderland can’t keep up with their tempo and precision.
Nov 22 at Fulham (A) – 1–1 (D)
Fulham enjoy more possession, but Sunderland are clinical on the counter. A point well earned from a balanced performance.
Nov 29 vs Bournemouth (H) – 2–1 (W)
Two early goals put Sunderland in control. Bournemouth rally, but the hosts hold on thanks to a solid midfield screen.
**December** Dec 3 at Liverpool (A) – 0–4 (L)
Liverpool press relentlessly and punish every error. Sunderland struggle to get out of their own half.
Dec 6 at Man City (A) – 0–3 (L)
City dominate from the outset. Le Bris’s compact structure limits the damage but can’t prevent defeat.
Dec 13 vs Newcastle (H) – 1–1 (D)
A fiercely contested derby ends level. Isidor gives Sunderland the lead before Newcastle level with a scrappy goal.
Dec 20 at Brighton (A) – 0–1 (L)
Brighton control possession and eventually break the deadlock. Sunderland defend well but offer little going forward.
Dec 27 vs Leeds (H) – 2–0 (W)
Sunderland take their chances clinically, punishing a leaky Leeds defence. A strong end to the year at home.
Dec 30 vs Man City (H) – 0–2 (L)
City’s class shows again despite a spirited effort. Sunderland keep things tight but are undone late on.
**January** 3 Jan at Tottenham (A) – 0–2 (L)
Spurs control midfield and exploit space in behind. Sunderland defend deep but lack attacking threat.
Jan 7 at Brentford (A) – 1–1 (D)
A well-managed away performance earns a draw. Sunderland strike from a set piece before Brentford level late.
Jan 17 vs Crystal Palace (H) – 1–0 (W)
A crucial clean sheet and a composed finish from Isidor make the difference. Sunderland’s defensive structure holds strong.
Jan 24 at West Ham (A) – 0–1 (L)
West Ham edge a tight encounter. Sunderland’s lack of midfield control is exposed.
Jan 31 vs Burnley (H) – 2–1 (W)
A determined performance sees Sunderland take revenge. They strike early and hold off a late Burnley surge.
**February** Feb 7 at Arsenal (A) – 0–3 (L)
Arsenal’s movement and intensity expose Sunderland’s shape. There’s little resistance as the Gunners score freely.
Feb 11 vs Liverpool (H) – 0–2 (L)
A more competitive performance, but Liverpool’s finishing makes the difference. Sunderland struggle to sustain attacks.
Feb 21 vs Fulham (H) – 1–0 (W)
A narrow win thanks to a goal from a crowded box. Sunderland control the game better and deserve the points.
Feb 28 at Bournemouth (A) – 1–2 (L)
Sunderland take the lead but fade in the second half. Bournemouth turn the match with two quick goals.
**March** Mar 4 at Leeds (A) – 1–0 (W)
A disciplined away showing earns three points. Isidor finishes a slick move in the first half.
Mar 14 vs Brighton (H) – 2–2 (D)
A thrilling end-to-end game sees both teams exchange goals. Sunderland concede late from a corner.
Mar 21 at Newcastle (A) – 0–2 (L)
Newcastle dominate the derby with superior quality. Sunderland can’t find a foothold in midfield.
**April** Apr 11 vs Tottenham (H) – 1–2 (L)
Sunderland fight hard but are undone by a late Spurs goal. Their midfield holds up well but struggles under pressure.
Apr 18 at Aston Villa (A) – 0–2 (L)
Villa’s attacking combinations prove too sharp. Sunderland barely create a chance and lose comfortably.
Apr 25 vs Nottm Forest (H) – 2–1 (W)
A fast start yields two early goals. Forest pull one back, but Sunderland manage the final stages smartly.
**May** May 2 at Wolves (A) – 1–1 (D)
A cautious match where both sides settle for a point. Sunderland frustrate Wolves and counter well.
May 9 vs Man Utd (H) – 0–3 (L)
United dominate from start to finish. Sunderland can’t handle their pace or creativity.
May 17 at Everton (A) – 1–1 (D)
A scrappy match ends in a deserved draw. Both sides score from set pieces.
May 24 vs Chelsea (H) – 1–1 (D)
Sunderland close the season with a hard-earned point. Chelsea dominate possession but can’t break them down.
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Final Summary: Wins - 9 Draws - 9
Losses - 20
Final Points Total: 36
Predicted League Finish: 16th or 17th
What do you think of these predictions by AI?