‘Eliezer Mayenda must not start in playoffs’ after what happened v QPR
Eliezer Mayenda could be in for a disappointing playoff run after Sunderland fell to defeat against QPR on Saturday.
The Black Cats maintained their horrendous end to the Championship season with a fifth consecutive league loss against the R’s.
A fifth-minute strike from Nicolas Madsen proved to be the difference as Regis Le Bris was left embarrassed yet again at the Stadium of Light.
Now, a playoff double header against Coventry City looms, with Mayenda unlikely to have the chance to prove himself from the start.
Mayenda could cost Sunderland v Coventry City
There is little to be positive about now for the red and white stripes as recent form could prove to be costly in the coming weeks.
Considering the Mackems have been in the playoffs for many months, not earning promotion to the Premier League would certainly be a disappointment.
With that being said, it is typically the side with the best form that takes the spot in the top division, and that is certainly not Sunderland right now.
As a result, moving into the two-legged tie against Coventry, Le Bris has to make brave decisions which could have a positive impact on his side.
One of those could be to leave out Mayenda after what was a quiet showing on the final day against a managerless QPR side.
This saw the Spaniard take the fewest touches of any outfield player to play 90 minutes with just 17 throughout a 90 minute appearance [FotMob].
This could ultimately see Wilson Isidor make better sense as a forward option in what would be a brave call, ready for the playoffs.
Mayenda must prove himself at Sunderland
The 19-year-old has been an asset for the Black Cats this campaign with his eight goals and five assists, but too often, he can go missing.
| Stat (Championship 24/25) | Eliezer Mayenda |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
With such importance riding on the upcoming clashes against Frank Lampard’s men, that sort of quality won’t go hand in hand with a positive result.
Welcoming Isidor back into the side alongside the likes of Enzo Le Fee and Patrick Roberts could have a positive effect and give the side a boost.
No one quite knows how the playoffs will go, but fans do know that form needs to desperately turn around if the Mackems are going to be in the Premier League next season.