The battle of the Premier League’s basement boys on Saturday has the feel of a ‘relegation six-pointer’, as 19th-placed Coventry look to continue their fine H2H form against rock-bottom Sunderland.
Match News and Current Form
Coventry’s experience of their top-flight return to date has been something of a reality check, with Frank Lampard’s men sitting above only Sunderland after losing six of their eight league outings (W2). Consecutive victories in rounds five and six proved to be a false dawn for the Sky Blues, who have since been brought back down to earth by Spurs and Fulham in their most recent two. Scoring a league-low six goals so far, with four of those coming in a single home game, it seems Coventry will do well to even get on the scoresheet here having lost without reply in three of their four home league outings.
Sunderland will enter this round without a league win since round two (D1, L5), though they did end their longest losing streak since 2015 with a draw against Leeds last weekend. Struggling in the second season back at the top is well documented, but balancing European and domestic duties has clearly exacerbated that problem for the Black Cats, who also faced a reduced preparation time this week due to their Wednesday night EFL Cup clash. It’s an obstacle Sunderland will have to overcome in double-quick time, but a winless run in away league action (D1, L3) hardly hints at a revival starting here.
Head-to-Head History
Sunderland have won only once across the 12 H2Hs across the previous decade (D6, L5). In that period, no two games in succession have yielded the same result, with the most recent clash ending in a stalemate.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Coventry are the only Premier League side to see all of their league games this season produce under 10.5 corners.
Five of Coventry’s last seven competitive home games produced over 3.5 goals.
Sunderland have conceded first in a joint league-high six of the opening eight rounds.
Sunderland are the only Premier League side yet to lead a league game at half-time (D6, L2).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Coventry's Brandon Thomas-Asante has been fouled 3.5 times per 90 minutes on average, with only three Premier League players having a higher total, while he also managed 2+ shots in four of his last five games. Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey is arguably a key threat; he has managed 2+ shots in five of his last seven league appearances and was fouled at least twice in each of his last three.
Coventry look to have no new injury concerns, while Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele was withdrawn early with an injury last weekend.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Given what is at stake in this game and the potential end-of-season implications for both out-of-form sides, backing a draw could provide value.
Author: Matthew Billon