What happened. Sunderland exceeded expectations in their first season back, finishing seventh and qualifying for Europe, but bookmakers still tip them for relegation.

Underlying xG numbers were poor, worse than some relegated teams.
Second-season syndrome and added European fixtures are cited as risks.
Manager Regis le Bris faces a tough challenge to repeat success.

Sunderland must prove doubters wrong again while balancing domestic and European demands.

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