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Josh Challies

Supercomputer predicts Sunderland's League One play-off chances

The League One play-offs are set to see a fierce fight for promotion to the Championship, as four sides look to secure a spot in the second-tier alongside Luton Town and Barnsley.

It is difficult to predict who will emerge victorious from these clashes but SportNation.Bet have done exactly that, with Sunderland, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic given an equal chance of winning the play-offs.

The clash between Sunderland and Portsmouth is the standout tie - just nine years ago this was a Premier League fixture - and both sides have a 27% chance of glory at Wembley.

But it's the south-coast side that have fortunes on their side - five times in the last ten years the side that finished fourth have then been promoted, more than any other team.

Pompey will also believe they have the upper-hand having already beaten the Black Cats in the Checkatrade Trophy Final at the national stadium earlier this year.

Jack Ross and Co, however, are sure to have something to say about that.

Charlton are also 27% likely to return to the Championship and are tipped to have the supposedly easiest route to Wembley as they face Doncaster Rovers in the semi finals - the Yorkshire side are the outsiders of the four having secured their spot on the last day of the season - they have a 19% chance of returning to England's second tier after a five-year break.

Lee Bowyer's side are bang in form and could well have finished fifth if it wasn't for Sunderland losing to Southend United and Portsmouth drawing with Accrington Stanley, the Addicks moved up two positions and now have the home advantage in the second leg.

A SportNation.Bet spokesman said: "In what looks to be the tightest play off scenario in all three EFL leagues, identifying a clear favourite is tricky! Charlton may be the inform side and finished higher than the rest but Sunderland and Portsmouth will no doubt fancy themselves having already made it to Wembley this season.

Although we can't separate between Charlton, Portsmouth and Sunderland, we believe it will be a bridge too far for Grant McCann's Doncaster side."

Play-off victory chances

Charlton: 27%

Portsmouth: 27%

Sunderland: 27%

Doncaster Rovers: 19%

Sunderland's record against Portsmouth is no concern for Jack Ross

Aiden McGeady heads Sunderland's returning stars - and stand-ins have not won Jack Ross over  

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