Sunderland host Coventry City in the biggest game of the season thus far as both sides look for a win to take them to Wembley and a game from the Premier League.
EFL Championship
Our 3 predictions for Sunderland vs Coventry City
- 1st prediction: Sunderland to win
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Sunderland vs Coventry City: Sunderland to win – 11/10
This is an incredibly difficult game to predict as league table and form, and therefore momentum, go out of the window in the play-offs. Sunderland certainly havew the upper hand on account of their away win and having home advantage to see them over the line, but Coventry know it’s now or never and they have to go for it. Curiously also, not one home team won in the first leg of the play-offs across the EFL, so home advantage may not be as much of a thing as we think. That being said, the crowd will favour Sunderland and they will thrive on having the momentum in the tie and controlling the game. Coventry have some threat on the break, though Sunderland will restrict their chances. It will be difficult, but Sunderland will certainly fancy themselves.
2nd prediction for Sunderland vs Coventry City: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 19/20
This should be an entertaining game with plenty of goals. Both teams know they will have to go for it to get to Wembley; one goal will see this game blown wide open as the stakes are so high. The two teams are fairly evenly matched, with only a Milan van Ewijk mistake separating them in the first leg. This will likely be on show here; Sunderland will have the initiative and look to open up a bigger lead, while Coventry chase. This will only be heightened if they conceded first as they will need three to go through without penalties. Sunderland will also attack if Coventry score first, and will have the crowd working for them as well as their star-studded line up. This game will either see no goals or plenty.
3rd prediction for Sunderland vs Coventry City: Both teams to score – 3/4
This is a game where both sides will go for it, which will likely see a very open game. Both sides scored in the first leg , and the second leg will likely be the same as it’s now or never. With a visit to Wembley the prize, both sides have to win with only a goal in it. A win in the second leg, regardless of the first leg, will also give huge confidence to whoever goes through to the final as they look to make the step up to the top-flight. Tactically, this will be interesting too. Both have high quality players but Sunderland will look to control the midfield while Coventry play on the break. An early goal for Sunderland would see them suffocate their opponents for the rest of the game, but otherwise it is likely both teams will score.
Best odds for Sunderland vs Coventry City
| Bookmaker | Sunderland | Coventry City |
| MyriadPlay | 11/10 | 9/4 |
| Gentleman Jim | 23/20 | 9/4 |
| Betarno | 57/50 | 223/100 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
This is a game that needs no introduction. Sunderland come into their home leg with the lead and will be favourites, though Coventry will fancy their chances. The equation is simple, a win books a trip to Wembley, and a date with destiny at the home of football for a place at the top table of the English game.
In this fixture’s past, Sunderland obviously have the first leg win to their name. They did, however only pick up a point from the two league encounters, but as we know form often goes out the window in the play-offs.
Confrontation
Where to watch Sunderland vs Coventry City
This is a huge game in the Championship play-offs, with the winner a game away from the Premier League. Here’s where to watch it.
- Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, UK, SR5 1SU
- Channel: Sky Sports Main Event (subscription required)
- Date and time: 8pm UK time, Tuesday 13th May 2025
Probable lineups for Sunderland vs Coventry City
This is an interesting game in terms of team selection. Both sides will undoubtedly put out their best sides, and likely won’t change much after a close first leg. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Sunderland
Line up: A Patterson, T Hume, C Mepham, L O’Nien, D Cirkin, P Roberts, D Neil, J Bellingham, E Le Fee, E Mayenda, W Isidor
Injuries/suspensions: D Ballard, A Alese, N Huggins (injured)
Coach: Regis Le Bris
Coventry City
Line up: B Collins, M Van Ewijk, B Thomas, L Kitching, J Dasilva, M Grimes, B Sheaf, T Sakamoto, J Rudoni, H Wright, B Thomas-Asante
Injuries/suspensions: O Dovin, B Wilson (injured)
Coach: Frank Lampard
Media centre – news about Sunderland vs Coventry City
