Sunderland host Coventry City at the Stadium of Light this weekend in Michael Beale’s first game in charge, but one analyst believes it will be a poor start to life on Wearside.
Tony Mowbray was fired almost three weeks ago after failing to win any of his past three games in charge, including two defeats to relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle and Huddersfield Town.
Since Mowbray’s departure, caretaker manager Mike Dodds has led the club to massive home triumphs against West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United, but the Black Cats suffered a 1-0 away setback to Bristol City in his final game.
Following the defeat at Ashton Gate, the board of directors opted to employ former Queens Park Rangers manager Michael Beale, who had recently left his job as manager of Scottish giants Rangers in the SPFL.
The result has dropped the Northeast club out of the playoff places, but a win this weekend might push them back into the top six, despite the fact that Coventry has recently picked up two points from both Leeds United and Southampton.
Sunderland will struggle to get all three points against the Sky Blues, according to EFL analyst and former Leeds United player David Prutton. Prutton predicted a 1-1 tie in his monthly Sky Sports column and outlined his reasoning:
“Michael Beale takes charge of his first Sunderland game and faces an uphill battle to win over a potentially skeptical home crowd.” Fans will, however, continue to rally behind their club at the Stadium of Light.
“Coventry took a great point away from Leeds last weekend, especially after falling behind, and they always fancy themselves against the league’s big hitters.” I believe they will receive another point to take home for Christmas.”
Author’s Opinion
Sunderland could be in for another banana skin game as Coventry City have been difficult to beat in recent weeks, with both Leeds and Southampton drawing their games against Mark Robins’ men.
However, considering the criticism that accompanied the club’s decision to fire Mowbray, Beale needs to get off to a good start by winning his first match, and the players will almost certainly be up for it, making things difficult for the visitors.
