Wembley beckons as Sunderland aim to protect narrow lead against Coventry

Oscar 2 days ago 502 |

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Sunderland hold advantage ahead of crucial play-off second leg. AFP

Sunderland and Coventry City meet at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night for the decisive second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final, with the Black Cats holding a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

Sunderland approach the second leg with a one-goal cushion after a dramatic 2-1 victory away at Coventry last Friday.

Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda were on target for the Black Cats, while Jack Rudoni’s header keeps Coventry’s hopes alive.

Regis Le Bris’s side will be without defender Ajibola Alese, meaning Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin are expected to form the defensive line.

Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil are set to continue in midfield, with Mayenda and Isidor likely leading the attack, supported by Enzo Le Fee and Patrick Roberts.

Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, must overturn the deficit to reach their second play-off final in three years.

The visitors are expected to field an attacking quartet of Sakamoto, Rudoni, Haji Wright, and Brandon Thomas-Asante, with Matt Grimes and Ben Sheaf anchoring the midfield.

Victor Torp remains sidelined for Coventry, while Milan van Ewijk is likely to start at right-back despite his costly error in the first leg.

With a place at Wembley and Premier League promotion at stake, both sides are set for a tense and hard-fought encounter under the lights in Sunderland.