Sunderland host Coventry City in the Championship on Saturday, with the Black Cats looking to return to winning ways after consecutive 0-0 draws.

Sunderland were held to a draw against Preston North End on Wednesday, leaving the gap between themselves and second-place Sheffield United at a slender two points.

Regis Le Bris will be hoping that a return to the Stadium of Light will be the impetus the Sunderland squad needs to return to winning ways and cement themselves as the league leaders going into the November international break.

Saturday will present an interesting challenge for the Black Cats after Coventry sacked manager Mark Robins during the week. Coventry City fans plan to chant Robins’ name throughout the match against Sunderland, which may create an unexpectedly tense atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland team news ahead of Coventry City clash

Speaking to the press on Friday, Le Bris confirmed that Anthony Patterson will remain unavailable for the Coventry fixture, again handing the gloves to Simon Moore, who Le Bris praised for his performance against Preston.

Jobe Bellingham remains suspended after his red card against QPR, whilst centre-back Aji Alese is expected to be back in the squad and in contention after the international break.

Le Bris will continue to be without Ian Poveda, Ahmed Abdullahi, Salis Abdul Samed, Niall Huggins and Jenson Seelt for the foreseeable future.

Sunderland predicted lineup to face Coventry City

With Patterson injured, Moore will look to build on his back-to-back clean sheets in goal against Coventry.

The back four of Dennis Cirkin, Luke O’Nein, Chris Mepham and Trai Hume looks to be settled, whilst Alan Browne will likely continue to deputise for Jobe Bellingham in the midfield.

Further forward, Tommy Watson received praise from O’Nein after his performance against Preston, but expect Romaine Mundle to return to the starting XI.

Here is how Sunderland could line up…

Simon Moore (GK), Dennis Cirkin, Luke O’Nein, Chris Mepham, Trai Hume, Alan Browne, Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, Romaine Mundle, Wilson Isidor, Aaron Connolly

Related Posts