Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams says automatic promotion from the Championship is "definitely reachable" for the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris' side are fourth in the table and eight points behind Sheffield United in second with 12 games remaining.
Williams told BBC's Total Sport podcast he believes Sunderland can finish in the top two "without a shadow of a doubt".
"I wouldn't take my eye off second spot to be quite honest, I think it's reachable," he said.
Enzo Le Fee and Dan Ballard both sustained injuries in the 1-0 defeat at home to Hull City on Saturday - the first time Sunderland have lost two consecutive league games this season.