It would be fair to say that Sunderland have lived something of a charmed life as far as their Premier League status is concerned in recent seasons.
In 2012-13 they finished in 17th spot, while the two campaigns since then have required a Herculean effort to survive.
The man that oversaw the most recent 'Great Escape' on an interim basis was Dick Advocaat, who convinced Mrs Advocaat over the summer to let him now have a crack in charge on a permanent deal.
The Dutchman has a vast experience, but can that inspire the Black Cats to have a more comfortable season? Here, Sports Mole assesses whether or not it will be another term of struggle for the Wearsiders.
In
Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Adam Matthews (Celtic), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kyiv), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out
El-Hadji Ba (Charlton), Santiago Vergini (Getafe, season-long loan), Connor Wickham (Crystal Palace)
Last season - 16th
Manager - Dick Advocaat
© Getty Images
Having had five managers in as many years, Sunderland are in desperate need of stability. In fact, not since the 2010-11 season has a manager started and ended the same campaign in the Stadium of Light hotseat. While 67-year-old Advocaat is by no means a long-term appointment, he may at least steady the ship for a younger boss to take over, potentially next summer.
Sunderland were the 10th club of Advocaat's managerial career, yet it would seem that few have got under his skin as much. He was visibly emotional after Premier League survival had been secured away at Arsenal, which must have been a major reason behind his decision to stay on. He has enjoyed success with the likes of Rangers, PSV Eindhoven and Zenit St Petersburg, so the Dutchman will not want to end his career with a relegation.
Key Player - Jermain Defoe
Just 10 players have scored more goals in the history of the Premier League than Defoe. To date, the 32-year-old has found the net on 128 occasions for a variety of clubs, four of which came in a Sunderland shirt following his return to these shores after a brief stint in the MLS with Toronto.
While four goals in 16 outings may sound like little to write home about, the importance of those goals should not be overlooked. There was the memorable volley against rivals Newcastle United, while the others - against Swansea City, Burnley and Everton - were all vital. At times last term he was asked by Advocaat to play in a wide role for the good of the team, but providing that the manager is able to land his summer transfer targets, surely Defoe will return to his more natural environment up front. All the teams down the bottom need a clinical striker and in the former England international, Sunderland have one.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
Pantilimon; Jones, Coates, Kaboul, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, Lens, Larsson, Gomez; Defoe, Fletcher
First game: Leicester City (A), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
Gus Poyet, who started last season in the Sunderland dugout, oversaw 10 draws in the first 16 outings. Overall, the spoils were shared in 17 of Sunderland's games, which is six more than any other Premier League side. Even more amazingly, nine of those games ended 0-0. In short, Advocaat and his players must find a way to turn some of those stalemates into victories if they are to avoid another nervy campaign.
Barring the odd hammering - Southampton away springs to mind - Sunderland were actually a decent unit defensively - it's up the other end of the pitch where they were lacking. Only Burnley scored fewer goals than Sunderland, which will be a statistic that Defoe can help to improve if he is played through the middle. They will not all of a sudden spring up to halfway, but with a veteran like Advocaat as manager, it could be a slightly more comfortable year for the Wearsiders.
Prediction - 15th
Liam Apicella
