{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
“Right now they are on the winning side”- Sky Sports EFL pundit thinks one side will score a late winner in Coventry City vs Sunderland prediction
EFL Championship Play-Offs: Coventry City vs Sunderland Preview
The most anticipated time of year for EFL supporters has arrived, with Friday night’s Championship play-off clash between Coventry City and Sunderland taking the spotlight.
Sunderland spent much of the regular season solidly in fourth place, but fell too far behind the league’s frontrunners. Their recent form has been worrying, as Regis Le Bris’ side enters the play-offs on a five-game losing streak—far from ideal for knockout football.
They now face a trip to Coventry, who secured their top-six finish with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough. However, Frank Lampard’s team hasn’t been in peak form either, having won just two of their last five matches.
Score Prediction: Coventry City vs Sunderland
Play-off matches often hinge on individual brilliance. In March, Haji Wright starred with a hat-trick in Coventry’s 3-0 win over Sunderland at the CBS Arena. Fans will be hoping for a repeat performance on Friday.
Meanwhile, Sunderland defender Trai Hume has issued a call to arms for his team. The Black Cats must significantly improve to break their losing streak and overcome Coventry’s momentum.
Sky Sports commentator Sam Parkin backs Coventry to edge the first leg 1-0, suggesting the Sky Blues could grab a late goal before heading into what he described as a “fully lit cauldron” for the second leg.
“I think it might be a little cagey, maybe a late goal for Coventry,” Parkin said on the Championship Check-In podcast. “But with their home form and current feeling around the club, I’d back them to take a 1-0 lead into the return leg and boost their hopes of reaching Wembley.”
Lampard Brings Play-Off Experience
While Le Bris deserves credit for leading Sunderland to a fourth-place finish in his debut season in English football, his side’s current slump raises questions.
Coventry pose a tough challenge—made tougher by Lampard’s experience in play-off scenarios. During his time at Derby County, Lampard guided the Rams to a dramatic semi-final win over Leeds United in 2019, before falling to Aston Villa in the final.
Now, he’ll be determined to take the next step, using his previous experience as a potential edge over Le Bris in this high-stakes encounter.
