Sunderland will end four years of frustration and seal the League One title next season, according to a supercomputer prediction.
The boffins at bettingexpert.com have crunched the numbers and it is the Black Cats who come out on top.
They are expected to be joined in the second tier by Ipswich, who are backed to take the second automatic promotion spot, just ahead of recently-relegated Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite their issues away from the pitch, the Owls are predicted to finish third and compete in the play-offs under the guidance of Darren Moore.
The supercomputer uses an algorithm that has analysed informative betting markets including title winner, promotion and relegation.
At the wrong end of the table, newly-promoted Morecambe, Cambridge and Cheltenham are likely to be fighting for their lives, while AFC Wimbledon’s five-year spell in League One could come to an end.
A bettingexpert spokesperson said: “The supercomputer results will make for great reading for Sunderland fans, who have been forced to watch their team in the third tier for far longer than anticipated.
“Sheffield Wednesday fans would welcome a promotion push and playoff campaign, too, even if matters away from the pitch remain a major distraction.
“And there could be an interesting relegation battle in store, with newcomers Morecambe, Cambridge and Cheltenham looking to avoid a brief stay in League One.”
The new League One season kicks off on Saturday (August 7).
Predicted final table
1. Sunderland
2. Ipswich Town
3. Sheffield Wednesday
4. Portsmouth
5. Charlton Athletic
6. Wigan Athletic
7. Rotherham United
8. Lincoln City
9. Oxford United
10. Bolton Wanderers
11. MK Dons
12. Wycombe Wanderers
13. Doncaster Rovers
14. Burton Albion
15. Fleetwood Town
16. Gillingham
17. Plymouth Argyle
18. Shrewsbury Town
19. Crewe Alexandra
20. Accrington Stanley
21. AFC Wimbledon
22. Cheltenham Town
23. Cambridge United
24. Morecambe
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