Sunderland take on Coventry City this weekend at the Stadium of Light in Michael Beale’s first game in charge, but one pundit believes it will be a disappointing start to life on Wearside for the new man.
Tony Mowbray was relieved of his duties almost three weeks ago, having failed to win any of his last three games in the dugout, including two defeats against relegation battlers Plymouth Argyle and Huddersfield Town.
Since Mowbray’s dismissal, caretaker boss Mike Dodds guided the side to huge back-to-back victories at home to both West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United but the Black Cats suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Bristol City in his final game last weekend.
Since the loss at Ashton Gate, the board decided to appoint former Queens Park Rangers manager Michael Beale, having recently lost his position with Scottish giants Rangers in the SPFL.
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The result has left the Northeast club outside the playoff places but a win this weekend could lift the side back inside the top six, although Coventry picked up two points from both Leeds United and Southampton in recent weeks.
EFL pundit and former Leeds United star David Prutton believes that Sunderland will struggle to come away with all three points against the Sky Blues. Writing in his weekly column for Sky Sports, Prutton has predicted a 1-1 draw and explained his reasoning:
“Michael Beale takes charge of his first Sunderland game and already has a battle on his hands to win over a, potentially, sceptical home support. But you can be sure the fans will still get behind their team at the Stadium of Light.
“Coventry took a great point off Leeds last weekend, especially after falling behind, and always fancy themselves against the big hitters in this league. I think they will get another point to take home with them for Christmas.”
Writer’s View
This could be another banana-skin game for Sunderland as Coventry City have proven difficult to beat in recent weeks, with both Leeds and Southampton getting merely a draw from their fixtures against Mark Robins’ men.
However, given the criticism that surrounded the club’s decision to sack Mowbray, Beale needs to get off to an excellent start by winning his first match and the players will likely be up for it which could make things difficult for the visitors.
Deputy Head of Writing
