Table Toppers

The Black Cats go into today's game with high hopes of being top of the Championship table come the end of Saturday's fixtures. Only two things stand in the way of Sunderland's efforts to end up 1^st - an unpredictable Hull side and second-placed Derby County.

Hull City are deceiving their abilities whilst they lie in 19^th place. They have so far beaten Wolves, Birmingham and Preston this season - each 2-nil. As well as thumping Cardiff City 4-1. In stark contrast, Preston have beaten Sunderland on every one of their three opportunities this season, Cardiff have triumphed 2-1 against the Wearsiders and Birmingham have picked up 4 of a possible 6 points against the Black Cats.

Derby County take on Cardiff City tomorrow knowing a defeat could see them drop out of the automatic promotion places.

A Sunderland victory, combined with a Derby defeat and a two goal lead against Hull, will see the Black Cats jump to first place. However, the dizzying heights of the Championship may not last long as a Birmingham victory on Sunday would see them move back to the top.

Saturday's Championship fixtures:

13:00 Preston - Burnley

15:00 Coventry - Barnsley

15:00 Derby - Cardiff

15:00 Leicester - QPR

15:00 Luton - Ipswich

15:00 Norwich - Stoke

15:00 Plymouth - Crystal Palace

15:00 Sheff Wed - Wolves

15:00 Southend - Leeds

15:00 Sunderland - Hull

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