The stage is set for a tantalising Championship playoff semi-final first leg at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Friday night, as Coventry City and Sunderland face off with contrasting trajectories in recent weeks. Coventry arrive buoyed by a strong finish to the regular season, while Sunderland stumble into the playoffs amidst a worrying run of form.
The turnaround at Coventry since the appointment of Frank Lampard in November has been nothing short of remarkable. When the former Chelsea boss took charge, the Sky Blues were languishing in 17th place, seemingly set for a season of mediocrity. Fast forward to May, and Lampard has orchestrated a surge up the table, transforming Coventry into a side capable of mixing it with the division’s best.
That resurgence was encapsulated in their final-day triumph over Middlesbrough, a convincing 2-0 victory that saw the Sky Blues dominate proceedings against another playoff contender. Jack Rudoni was at the heart of the action, scoring one and assisting another to cap off an impressive campaign in which he has amassed nine goals and 12 assists — a standout return for the summer signing from Huddersfield Town.
While Rudoni continues to shine, Coventry will be looking for a revival from their leading marksman Haji Wright, who has found the net just once in his last six league outings. The American international has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, but with the playoffs offering a fresh slate, he remains a potential game-changer.
Lampard’s side have been a formidable force at the CBS Arena, suffering just two defeats at home since his arrival, both to the league’s promoted duo, Leeds United and Burnley. With such a formidable home record, Coventry will aim to build a decisive first-leg lead against a Sunderland side in disarray.
For Sunderland, the end of the regular season has been defined by frustration and squandered opportunities. After securing their playoff berth weeks ago, the Black Cats have limped into the post-season without a win in their last six matches, a run that includes five defeats and just one goal scored. The latest setback came last weekend, a 1-0 loss to QPR, where Nicolas Madsen’s early strike condemned them to another painful reverse.
Manager Regis Le Bris has watched his side lose their attacking edge at the worst possible time, with top scorer Wilson Isidor enduring a prolonged goal drought. The French forward has now gone 13 matches without finding the net, a barren spell that dates back to mid-February.
Despite their recent decline, Sunderland finished the regular season in fourth place, seven points clear of Coventry and 14 points behind Sheffield United in third. Yet, the Black Cats’ away form has been equally uninspiring. They are winless in their last three league games on the road, including back-to-back losses at Bristol City and Oxford United, where they failed to register a single goal.
With confidence fragile and the stakes higher than ever, Sunderland must find a way to rediscover their scoring touch against a Coventry side that has momentum and a fervent home crowd firmly in their corner. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Coventry City enter the first leg of their playoff semi-final against Sunderland with several key absentees. First-choice goalkeeper Oliver Dovin is ruled out with a knee injury, meaning that Ben Wilson will be handed the starting role between the posts.
In attack, the Sky Blues are without the services of Ephron Mason-Clark and Norman Bassette, both of whom are sidelined due to foot and hip injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, influential midfielder Victor Torp remains unavailable due to an ongoing ankle issue, paving the way for January signing Matt Grimes to start in the central midfield alongside Ben Sheaf.
Despite the injury concerns, head coach Frank Lampard is expected to maintain his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been instrumental in Coventry’s resurgence this season.
In goal, Ben Wilson is set to start, deputising for the injured Dovin. The back four will consist of Milan van Ewijk at right-back, Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching as the central defensive duo, and Jake Bidwell positioned at left-back.
In midfield, the double pivot will feature Matt Grimes and Ben Sheaf, tasked with breaking up play and linking the defence with Coventry’s attacking line. Further forward, the attacking midfield trio will include Tatsuhiro Sakamoto on the right flank, Jack Rudoni operating centrally as the playmaker, and Haji Wright stationed on the left, with freedom to cut inside and support the attack.
Leading the line as the lone striker will be Ellis Simms, who will aim to provide a focal point for Coventry’s attacking moves and capitalise on any opportunities created by the trio behind him.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Wilson; van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell; Grimes, Sheaf; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Wright; Simms
Sunderland are grappling with a string of injury setbacks as they prepare for the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final against Coventry City. The Black Cats remain without attacking duo Romaine Mundle and Ian Poveda, both of whom are sidelined with hamstring and leg injuries, respectively. The pair are expected to return in mid-May, leaving head coach Regis Le Bris with limited options in the forward areas.
Additionally, Jayden Danns continues his frustrating spell on the sidelines due to a persistent back injury. The Liverpool loanee is yet to make a single appearance for Sunderland and will not be available for Friday’s crucial clash at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Despite these absences, Sunderland are likely to line up in a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to maintain defensive solidity while retaining a counter-attacking threat. Anthony Patterson will start in goal as the undisputed first-choice keeper. The back four will likely include Trai Hume at right-back, with Daniel Ballard and Luke O’Nien forming the central defensive pairing, and Dennis Cirkin operating at left-back.
In midfield, Sunderland are expected to crowd the centre of the park with a five-man setup. Dan Neil will star out wide in the midfield, supported by Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, and Patrick Roberts in central midfield. Meanwhile, offers an attacking option on the left.
Leading the line as the lone striker will be Eliezer Mayenda, who will be tasked with holding up play and bringing his midfielders into the attack as Sunderland aim to end their goal drought.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham, Roberts, Rigg, Le Fee; Mayenda
In a Sunderland side struggling to find form, Jobe Bellingham stands out as a bright spark in an otherwise faltering attack. The younger brother of England international Jude Bellingham, the 19-year-old midfielder has emerged as a key creative force for the Black Cats, especially during the final third of the campaign.
Despite Sunderland’s ongoing five-match losing streak, Bellingham’s ability to break lines with his dribbling and vision has remained a focal point of their play. His confidence in possession and eye for a pass make him a constant threat, particularly against a Coventry midfield that can be vulnerable to quick transitions.
Bellingham’s composure and technical quality belie his age, and while he has only two goals and three assists to his name this season, his influence extends beyond raw statistics. His ability to drift between the lines and link up with the likes of Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda will be crucial as Sunderland look to end their goal drought and establish a foothold in the playoff tie.
Moreover, with Coventry likely to dominate possession, Bellingham’s work rate off the ball and defensive contributions will also be vital in stifling the likes of Jack Rudoni and Matt Grimes in the middle of the park. If Sunderland are to turn their form around and find a route back to the Premier League, Jobe Bellingham will need to step up and deliver a performance befitting his undeniable talent.
Coventry CIty’s upward trajectory and formidable home record under Frank Lampard make them slight favourites to take a first-leg lead. Sunderland’s attacking woes and lack of form on the road suggest they could be in for a difficult night at the CBS Arena. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Lampard and his charges.
