Sunderland are back in Championship action on Saturday afternoon, facing off with Coventry City.

The Black Cats head into the game on a slightly concerning run of form, which has seen them draw their last two Championship fixtures.

Sunderland drew 0-0 with Preston North End in midweek and their spot atop the league table is now under threat going into the weekend.

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have climbed up to second in the division and now sit just two points off the North East outfit.

As a result, their game on Saturday is something of a must-win. It will be an interesting affair as Coventry City sacked Mark Robins on Thursday, less than 24 hours after his side lost to Derby County.

Coventry fans have planned something interesting for the Sunderland game that should make the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light even better.

Regis Le Bris sends Jobe Bellingham message before Sunderland vs Coventry City

Ahead of the tie, manager Regis Le Bris held his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

The Sunderland boss discussed a number of topics in the presser, one of which was Jobe Bellingham.

The midfielder has been a revelation since his move to the Stadium of Light, with Bellingham tipped for a Premier League move next season.

However, speaking to the media on Friday, Le Bris has told Bellingham to get better at controlling his emotions.

He said: “He is the complete player and he has huge potential… he wants to improve every day and his standards are very high. Sometimes his emotions are high too.”

Jobe Bellingham emotions have already cost Sunderland

It is easy to see why Le Bris wants the 19-year-old to get better at controlling his emotions.

Bellingham has already cost Sunderland four points this season due to a rash red card he received.

The midfielder was sent off 58 minutes into a meeting with Queens Park Rangers recently – a game his side ended up drawing but probably would have won with 11 men.

That red card, of course, meant Sunderland were then weakened for their midweek clash with Preston.

Said fixture was another match they may well have won if Bellingham featured but they instead once again drew 0-0.

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