We've tasked AI with predicting how far Sunderland will go in the FA Cup this season.
Even after being soundly beaten by leaders Arsenal, the Black Cats remain ninth in the table, just three points behind Liverpool in sixth, ahead of the two sides locking horns at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
After that, Regis Le Bris’ men head south to face Oxford United in the fourth round of the FA Cup, having beaten Everton on penalties at Hill Dickinson Stadium to reach the fourth round for just the second time in the last 11 years.
Oxford are 23rd in the Championship, so Sunderland are big favourites to progress. But just how far could they go in the FA Cup this season? We’ve tasked X’s AI chatbot Grok with answering that question in a fun thought experiment.
Fourth round: Oxford United vs Sunderland
Grok: Sunderland, as the Premier League outfit, hold a clear advantage in quality and depth despite facing Oxford at the Kassam Stadium. Their defensive backbone, anchored by reliable centre-backs who dominate aerial duels and a disciplined midfield presence, should contain Oxford's Championship-level threats effectively. In attack, expect Brian Brobbey to be the key match-winner—his clinical finishing and physicality make him a constant danger on counters or set pieces, especially against a lower-tier defence. Robin Roefs in goal provides assurance with strong shot-stopping, while creative outlets like Enzo Le Fée and Chemsdine Talbi can unlock spaces with vision and direct runs. Oxford may push hard at home and create chances, but Sunderland's experience in tighter games and ability to grind out results away should see them through narrowly, perhaps via a late goal or Brobbey strike.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Sunderland
Fifth round: Sunderland vs West Ham United
Grok: At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland's exceptional home form—unbeaten in the Premier League this season—gives them a strong platform against a West Ham side that has shown inconsistency. The Black Cats' defensive organisation, led by centre-backs Ballard and Alderete who excel in aerial battles, should frustrate West Ham's attacking threats and limit clear chances. Granit Xhaka's composure in midfield will be vital for controlling possession and launching transitions, while Brobbey poses a major danger as the focal point up front, likely to capitalise on any set-piece or counter opportunity with multiple contributions possible in a more open game. West Ham have quality but have struggled away at times, and Sunderland's resilience in tight matches, combined with home crowd energy, tips the balance towards a convincing win, perhaps sealed by Brobbey's brace or a set-piece goal from the backline.
Quarter-final: Liverpool vs Sunderland
Grok: By the quarter-finals in April, Sunderland would face one of the competition's heavyweights in a high-stakes away tie. Their journey would already be a success, having navigated earlier rounds with tactical discipline and key performers shining. Defensive solidity from high-rated centre-backs and full-backs would aim to limit space, while Xhaka orchestrates from deep and Brobbey poses a counter threat. Roefs' goalkeeping could keep the score respectable. Yet, the gulf widens against sides with relentless attacking options and home dominance—Liverpool's pace, creativity, and set-piece prowess would overwhelm. Sunderland might score through a moment or two of quality, but fatigue, injuries, or rotation in a congested schedule could expose vulnerabilities. The run ends honourably here, cementing a memorable campaign for the promoted club.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-2 Sunderland
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