How Sunderland’s home crowds compare before Brighton’s visit | OneFootball

Sunderland are drawing some of the Premier League’s biggest home crowds in their comeback season, with Brighton next up at the Stadium of Light.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats average 46,382 at home, their highest top-flight figure since 2001/02 at 46,745 and the fourth-highest in club history. They sit ninth in the league’s attendance table.

An FA Cup exit to Port Vale by 1-0 stung, yet Regis Le Bris’ side beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road last week to reach 40 points with nine games to spare. They are 12 points clear of the relegation zone. The aim now is to finish as high as possible and maybe even sneak European football.

Manchester United lead the league’s attendance table on 73,960, more than 11,000 clear of second-place West Ham on 62,454. Tottenham are third on 60,900, despite sitting 16th and mired in a shock relegation fight.

Sunderland rank behind Everton and Newcastle on 52,110 and 52,093. They would surely match those figures if the Stadium of Light were expanded.

They remain ahead of established forces such as Aston Villa and Chelsea, with both clubs looking to expand their grounds or relocate in the near future. Brighton sit 13th for home crowds on 31,343 ahead of their visit.

Source: Sunderland Echo