After a promising start, the club’s automatic promotion hopes evaporated at the start of this year, while head coach Lee Johnson was dismissed in January.
The club are now aiming to secure a play-off place under new boss Alex Neil, yet the margin for error is slim.
This season has seen several younger players receive a chance to impress, though, including some academy graduates.
We’ve take a closer look at how each player has fared this season assessing the performances of those who have made at least five league starts:
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1. Thorben Hoffmann - C
After signing for Sunderland in August the German was the club's first-choice goalkeeper under Lee Johnson. While there were some impressive displays, Hoffmann's performances were mixed and he has since lost his place to Anthony Patterson. Photo: JPI Media
2. Anthony Patterson - B
Patterson has only made 13 league starts for Sunderland this season but has been selected in every game under Alex Neil. The 21-year-old has quietly gone about his business, keeping four clean sheets in his last five matches. Photo: JPI Media
3. Callum Doyle - B
While the Manchester City loanee has been taken out of the side in recent weeks, it should be remembered what a key player he was earlier in the season. Doyle, 18, earned praise for his ability in possession as well as his maturity after stepping up to senior football. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Bailey Wright - B
After starting the season out of the side, the Australian international has helped shore things up at the back and been a key player since Neil's arrival. Photo: JPI Media