The Sunderland0️⃣vs3️⃣Coventry City Watch Along
41Newly-appointed Sunderland Head Coach Michael Beale will take charge of his first match this weekend when Coventry City visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Black Cats will be looking to record their third straight home win following recent victories over West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United - a feat the Lads last achieved over 18 months ago.
Opposition
The Sky Blues have collected 27 points from 22 games and currently sit 15th in the Sky Bet Championship.
Mark Robins’ side have registered six wins, nine draws and suffered seven defeats so far this campaign. The visitors are currently on a strong run of form having lost just once in their last seven league outings.
Club record signing Haji Wright and experienced centre-forward Matt Godden lead the way with goals, the pair have each netted six times to date.
Despite the Sky Blues’ league position, Robins’ side maintains one of the Championship's tightest defences having conceded just 25 goals. Only Leicester City (16), Leeds United (22), West Brom (22), Sunderland (24) and Bristol City (24) hold a more resolute backline.
Sunderland’s last victory over Coventry City came back in 2007 when Dwight Yorke and Carlos Edwards’ goals sealed a 2-0 home win.
Team News
Sunderland have no fresh injury concerns following last Saturday’s trip to Ashton Gate.
Timothée Pembélé, Aji Alese, and Jay Matete all returned to action on Monday evening for the Under-21s, but Saturday’s game is likely to come too soon.
Chris Rigg could be in line for a return to the Black Cats matchday squad, the 16-year-old has not featured for the first team since October’s home win over Norwich City.
Captain Corry Evans, Dennis Cirkin, and Elliot Embleton all remain out as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.