Anthony Patterson assesses Sunderland's top six credentials ahead of Ipswich opener

Sunderland host Ipswich Town in the Championship this weekend.

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson believes the club can mount another promotion push in the Championship this season.

Sunderland kick off their 2023/24 season with a home game v Ipswich Town on Sunday evening.

It's a tough opener for Tony Mowbray's side but the Black Cats have enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, bringing in seven new players in Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham, Luis Hemir, Nathan Bishop, Eliezer Mayenda, and Bradley Dack.

Sunderland defied the odds to secure a top six finish last season, and after this summer's signings, many are tipping them to challenge once again.

And that's a belief shared by Black Cats goalkeeper Patterson, who spoke to BBC about the upcoming season.

He said on last season:

"It was the first season for many of us in the Championship. So we've got that experience now and we need to use it to kick on."

Then was quizzed on whether or not Sunderland could mount another promotion push in the Championship this season, Patterson said:

"I don't see why not, we gave it a good crack last season. If we can keep a squad fit then I don't see why not."

Sunderland under Mowbray are a very dangerous outfit. They play some great attacking football and they showed last time round that, even without key players like Ross Stewart, they remain a threat.

And they've added some much-needed depth and physicality to their ranks this summer, so their flaws from last time round should be fixed.

Still, it's looking like a very competitive roster this season and if Sunderland want to challenge, they need to put in good performances every week - starting with this Sunday.

Sunderland v Ipswich Town kicks off at 5pm on Sunday evening.

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