Sunderland vs Coventry Prediction: Beale in for a tricky start

Michael Beale’s first test as Sunderland manager sees the Black Cats host a Coventry City side who have found their stubborn edge in recent weeks.

Back-to-back draws with promotion-chasing Southampton and Leeds have given Mark Robins hope that his side can find some form heading into the second half of the season. Below we preview this Championship clash and put forward two betting selections for you to consider. 

Team News

Michael Beale could spring a few surprises with his first team selection, but it is unlikely to change too much after Sunderland recorded an impressive 1-0 win over Leeds in their last home match. Dennis Cirkin looks like he will miss this one, while Jay Matete was amongst five absentees for their defeat against Bristol City. 

Coventry City are coming back to full strength, with Fabio Tavares the only absentee at the moment. He is in the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury and could be loaned out in January, while attacking midfielders Callum O’Hare and Kasey Palmer are both now fully fit. 

Coventry City to win @ 13/5

 The new manager bounce is something to be wary of, but given how Sunderland fans have reacted to Beale’s arrival, it could not have the desired effect at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Also, Coventry have proven themselves to be a tricky side to play against over the last month, ever since Mark Robins switched to four at the back. 

The central duo of Liam Kitching and Bobby Thomas have been exceptional, while in midfield, the return of Callum O’Hare has eased their creativity woes. The Sky Blues climbed the table in the second half of last season to reach the play-offs, and their fans will be hoping for a repeat this time around. Their squad has all the attributes to make Beale’s start at Sunderland a very difficult one.

Haji Wright to score anytime @ 23/10

No player in the Championship has missed more big chances than Haji Wright this season. Coventry’s record-signing arrived this summer to fill the boots of Viktor Gyokeres, and has six goals to his name already. It’s not a number that has set the world alight, but in recent weeks he appears to be finding more and more confidence. 

The American international is now being deployed as a left-forward by Robins, while Ellis Simms does the donkey work in the number nine position. As a result, and using his exceptional pace, Wright is finding more goalscoring opportunities. He scored against Southampton in his last start, and could have had one after coming off the bench at Leeds. 

Certain to start this one, Wright is getting better and better as the season progresses. The big chances statistic proves that he is consistently getting into the right areas and with more confidence, his goalscoring numbers should skyrocket. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Haji Wright, Wright, Wright.  

Check out our other Football Betting Tips here.