But there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the play-offs and Sunderland are in semi-final action against Lincoln City.
Of course, Black Cats fans are no strangers to semi final delight, and occasional agony, as these Echo archive photos show.
We have fan scenes from the play-off semi-final matches against Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Newcastle as we head back to 2019, 2004, 1998 and 1990.
Are you pictured? Take a look and re-live the atmosphere as we get ready to do it all over again.
1. Backing The Lads
It was nail-biting until the finish but these fans helped Sunderland get over the line in 2019 against Portsmouth. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Result!
Sunderland fans celebrate a tense away day at Portsmouth where a 0-0 draw was enough to send them to Wembley in 2019. Photo: Frank Reid
3. They made it!
Sunderland fans were rewarded for the long journey to Portsmouth in 2019 when they won their semi-final on aggregate. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Time to celebrate
A nerve-shredding match at Portsmouth but Sunderland were dogged in victory and their fans were superb. Photo: Frank Reid