It’s a new stadium for Regis Le Bris on Saturday, as he takes his Sunderland side to the CBS Arena to face Coventry City.
For the two top six hopefuls, it’s a final game before the March international break and a possible dress rehearsal of what might yet come in the Championship play-offs this season.
Sunderland remain in 4th after their frustrating and somewhat controversial 1-1 draw with Preston on Tuesday, compared to Frank Lampard’s Coventry who sit in 6th place of the Championship table right now.
The Sky Blues had won five games on the spin, and nine in 10 Championship games before a 2-0 defeat at Derby County last time out, having lost just three of 13 league games in 2025 so far.
Of a possible 39 points on offer in 2025, Coventry City have taken an incredible 28, compared to Sunderland who’ve claimed 25 in what’s been an equally steady start to the New Year.
Sam Parkin shares his Coventry City vs Sunderland score prediction
Quite staggeringly, Sunderland haven’t beaten Coventry City in any competition since way back in 2007. Even more baffling is the fact that Sunderland have beaten Coventry City away from home since 1985, now 40 years ago.
Since Sunderland retuned to the Championship in 2022 they’ve played Coventry City five times, drawing three and losing two. Last time they met was at the Stadium of Light back in November and Sunderland and Coventry City drew 2-2, as the Sky Blues came from two goals behind.
Speaking on the Championship Check In ahead of the weekend, EFL expert Sam Parkin has predicted another 2-2 scoreline between the two promotion hopefuls.
He said: “Is there pressure on Sunderland? No I don’t think there is really. They’ve got that lovely cushion. A run at the autos from this spot would be incredible, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I’m going to go for 2-2. I’m going to go for a nice thriller.”
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| 1 | Leeds | 37 | 23 | 10 | 4 | 74 | 23 | 51 | 79 |
| 2 | Sheffield Utd | 37 | 24 | 7 | 6 | 52 | 28 | 24 | 77 |
| 3 | Burnley | 37 | 20 | 15 | 2 | 50 | 11 | 39 | 75 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 37 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 55 | 34 | 21 | 69 |
| 5 | West Brom | 37 | 13 | 17 | 7 | 47 | 33 | 14 | 56 |
| 6 | Coventry | 37 | 16 | 8 | 13 | 52 | 48 | 4 | 56 |
Who are the rest of the Championship top six playing this weekend?
All eyes will be on the top six this weekend, and on results that might cause some movement in a top six that has its gaps, but could also tighten up in the final run in.
Leaders Leeds United head to QPR where they’ll look to avoid a fourth-straight away defeat against the R’s. Meanwhile, Sheffield United play rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday and Burnley head to Swansea City.
West Brom in 5th play Hull City, and if the Baggies win and Coventry City win as well, then Sunderland’s 13 point cushion is shortened, and it would leave a sour tone going into the break.
A really big performance is needed in this one with fans starting to see a lot of cracks in this Sunderland side.