While the EFL’s preference is to decide the league on an unweighted points-per-game basis, that has been opposed by a number of clubs – including Sunderland and Peterborough, who would be omitted from the play-offs under such an approach.
Alternative proposals have therefore been put forward, including plans to include more than the traditional four teams in the end of season tournament.
And while the Black Cats believe it is unlikely they will be involved in any play-off to gain promotion to the Championship, it hasn’t stopped the bookmakers from offering their take on the club’s chances of a return to the second tier.
Oddschecker have provided odds on who is most likely to win an extended play-off competition if one were to take place – with some controversial results.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see how they rate the Black Cats’ chances of winning such a tournament: