Coventry v Sunderland preview: Team news, lineups, supercomputer prediction
Sunderland are just two days away from their playoff semi-final clash with Coventry at the CBS Arena.
Anxiety levels on Wearside will be high ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Coventry City for several reasons, though none as big as the reward on the line.
The Black Cats have a wretched record against Frank Lampard’s side, and that will need to change if they are to make it into the playoff final come the end of May.
Coventry have a strong rivalry with the Mackems dating back to 1977, and there will be plenty of bragging rights up for grabs in the coming week.
Preview
Sunderland‘s last win away to Coventry was 40 years ago, and their last win against the Sky Blues whatsoever was over 18 years ago, showcasing just how big of a task awaits the Black Cats.
| Head-to-head | W | D | L |
| Sunderland | 12 | 18 | 18 |
| Coventry | 18 | 18 | 12 |
Off the back of a 1-0 defeat to QPR, Regis Le Bris’ side are winless in six, having scored just once across that time period, sparking major concern.
However, having sealed their spot in the playoffs weeks ago, the Wearsiders will be far fresher than their opponents, who had to wait until the final kick of the ball on the last day of the season to cement their spot in the top six.
Form guide
Coventry: DWLLW
Sunderland: LLLLL
Team news
Coventry have very few injury concerns ahead of the clash with Sunderland, though four players will almost certainly miss the game.
Ephron Mason-Clark and Norman Bassette aren’t expected to return for a few weeks, while Victor Torp and Oliver Dovin are also sidelined.
As for Sunderland, the return of Romaine Mundle could happen on Friday, with Aji Alese also nearing a return to fitness after a long injury layoff.
Le Bris is likely to have close to a full squad to pick from for the first time this season.
Predicted lineups
Coventry: Wilson, van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell, Grimes, Sheaf, Rudoni, Wright, Sakamoto, Simms
Sunderland: Patterson, Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin, Neil, Jobe, Le Fee, Roberts, Mayenda, Isidor
Where to watch?
Sunderland’s clash with Coventry will be broadcast live on Sky Sports for UK viewers, with the game due to kick off at 8pm GMT on 6 May.
Supercomputer predicts Coventry win v Sunderland]
With the odds of a Coventry victory calculated at 48.5 per cent, the Mackems would likely take any positive result going into this tie.
Sunderland have just a 25.7 per cent chance of taking the lead into the reverse fixture.