Sky Sports host makes ‘massive’ Sunderland claim live on air ahead of Coventry clash
Sunderland travel to Coventry City on Friday for the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final clash.
The Stadium of Light outfit have enjoyed a largely successful second-tier campaign, and have been rewarded for their efforts as they are now set to battle for a spot in next season’s Premier League.
However, Regis Le Bris’ men have lost each of their last five games and will have to get themselves back on form to beat Frank Lampard’s side to a place in the playoff final.
Sunderland have not won since their 1-0 triumph over West Brom on 5 April, which came thanks to Trai Hume’s goal.
David Prutton heaps ‘fantastic’ praise on Le Bris and Sunderland
Before their recent slump, there is no doubt that the Mackems were one of the best sides in the Championship this term, as aptly demonstrated by their fourth-place finish.
| Championship table (Top six) | Games played | Points |
| 1 Leeds | 46 | 100 |
| 2 Burnley | 46 | 100 |
| 3 Sheffield United | 46 | 90 |
| 4 Sunderland | 46 | 76 |
| 5 Coventry | 46 | 69 |
| 6 Bristol City | 46 | 68 |
Speaking on Sky Sports News [6 May, 10.43am], David Prutton said: “The job Regis Le Bris has done, I believe it’s gone under the radar.
“Even if momentum wise they have none going into the play-offs, for massive parts of the season they were fantastic.”
Last time out against Coventry, the Black Cats suffered a 3-0 defeat at the CBS Arena on 15 March, with Haji Wright scoring a hat-trick.
Sunderland could be content with a draw with Coventry on Friday
Unlike Sunderland, Coventry head into the playoffs with momentum on their side, thanks to a final-day victory over then fellow playoff hopefuls Middlesbrough.
Lampard’s men have won three of their last six games, and also drew 1-1 with Hull on 14 April, a point which helped the Sky Blues land a top-six spot, and saw Ruben Selles’ men stay in the Championship.
Meanwhile, thanks to their superior league position, Sunderland have home advantage in the second leg of their all-important playoff clash with Coventry on 13 May.
Therefore, the Black Cats could be content with a draw in the West Midlands this Friday, safe in the knowledge that they will have the home crowd behind them four days later.
The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on 13 May will be electric, which could prove decisive in whether Le Bris’ men or Lampard’s side make it to Wembley, where they will face either Sheffield United or Bristol City in the playoff final.