Match Thread Sunderland - Coventry City Match Thread - Tuesday 13th May (47 Viewers)

[Sky Blue Goblin]

Was thinking today of a plan B. Above post had a similar idea with the 3-4-2-1. Why not go back to the Oxford shape?

It was very fluid on the day and due to the shape, had us constantly over/underlapping their players and pulled them out of shape.

Team maintains its 3-2-5 shape but allows enough rotations to mix it up, and defends back in the 4-4-2 shape. Rudoni and EMC can easily rotate and make sit harder to predict which I think was a big problem on Friday?

Wilson
Thomas - Kitching - Bidwell (acts as the LB out of possession)

MVE - Sheaf - Grimes - Rudoni ( acting as a left winger who inverts and given license to roam)

Sakamoto - EMC (expect to drift wide and cut back in)

Wright

Probably an insane shout but just want it to be match day already

 

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[Para1140]

Acting like they've just won the champions league. Hope we piss on their party

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

I'd start Patterson on the left, Wright upfront, and bring Allen in to midfield instead of Sheaf.

Patterson is clearly not anywhere ready to play even 60 minutes at a high intensity imo

 

[robbiethemole]

Acting like they've just won the champions league. Hope we piss on their party
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Tinpot fucking wankers, ain’t won anything yet, first win in Cov since 1985? Bigging themselves up hahaha

 

[Bigelvesy]

Struggling to keep positive vibes on this one. Think they’ve done the hard bit and they’ll have all the energy behind them whilst we’ll be feeling sorry for ourselves.
And our away form is fucking woeful.

Think the only way we come away with tickets to Wembley out of this one is if we come out of the gates at a million miles an hour and score a quick goal, then settle into a rhythm. If it gets to half time at 0-0 (or worse obviously) i cant see us getting what we need

 

[stupot07]

Patterson is clearly not anywhere ready to play even 60 minutes at a high intensity imo

Paterson would have no chance starting in a high-intensity game like this one.

I think Lampard will do whatever medical science will allow him to do to start EMC on the left.

I know he isn't going to start, but there should be no reason why he wouldn't be able to last 60 mins in a high intensity match, he's been training with us for over 4 months since his season finished is MLS season in December. He has played over 350 games in the championship with over 100 goal contributions. That kind of experience could be invaluable.

He isnt going to play anyway.

 

[quinn1971]

Struggling to keep positive vibes on this one. Think they’ve done the hard bit and they’ll have all the energy behind them whilst we’ll be feeling sorry for ourselves.
And our away form is fucking woeful.

Think the only way we come away with tickets to Wembley out of this one is if we come out of the gates at a million miles an hour and score a quick goal, then settle into a rhythm. If it gets to half time at 0-0 (or worse obviously) i cant see us getting what we need

But what a game to turn it around, and what a place to do it in, pressures all back on them, makes a massive difference

 

[Simpson]

Tinpot fucking wankers, ain’t won anything yet, first win in Cov since 1985? Bigging themselves up hahaha

TBF it's not meant as a celebratory homecoming in any way, it's to encourage the team to play well in 'the second half' of the tie.

It's just one of many 'forums' and speaking for themselves only.

No one I know thinks there's much to celebrate, a Coventry goal in the first minute and it's back to square one ... we all know that.

While I'm on I hope you don't mind me posting this clip. It's from someone who posts an informed analysis on Sunderland games.

He's clearly extremely biased but definitely knowledgeable, I always see the games differently after watching his posts.

 

[wingy]

It's no biggy just what fans do.

 

[quinn1971]

TBF it's not meant as a celebratory homecoming in any way, it's to encourage the team to play well in 'the second half' of the tie.

It's just one of many 'forums' and speaking for themselves only.

No one I know thinks there's much to celebrate, a Coventry goal in the first minute and it's back to square one ... we all know that.

While I'm on I hope you don't mind me posting this clip. It's from someone who posts an informed analysis on Sunderland games.

He's clearly extremely biased but definitely knowledgeable, I always see the games differently after watching his posts.

Tbh you can edit any game and make it get what point you want to make across,it wasn’t a tactical masterclass, any Cov fan knows how to play against us, There were plenty of times when we broke through but chooses not to show those, like le fee for our goal, clearly skinned by MVE, and as for being tired at the end we made 2 good chances, and we’ve scored loads of late goals in games, cant wait to see the next one when they’re same game plans gone tits up

 

[Super Frank]

Coventry City lads can play loose. Score one goal and this thing is a deadlock. At that point, anything can happen.

I could see Sunderland feeling the pressure of knowing they are about to blow a season when they should have went up and doing Sunderland things again. Maybe Netflix can document it?

 

[Liquid Gold]

I think there is a bit of an overreaction on here at the moment. We actually outperformed them on xG and theirs will have been massively inflated by Milan giving them one on a plate.

Our chances falling slightly better and we could have run away with it.

 

[Robinshio]

Spirit of Notts County. Middlesbrough Wolves and Man U games

 

[Sick Boy]

Is Lampard ready to take a gamble in the second leg—like he did with Derby?

Coventry’s 2-1 first-leg defeat to Sunderland boiled down to a few key tactical issues:

What Went Wrong​

1. Aimless Crosses
Coventry repeatedly sent high balls into the box, but Sunderland’s centre-backs—Ballard and O’Nien—handled them comfortably. With only one striker and limited support, those deliveries rarely troubled the defence.


2. No Central Threat
Sunderland sat deep in a compact 4-4-2. Coventry failed to break them down through the middle, lacking players between the lines and often being forced wide—right where Sunderland wanted them.


3. Slow Possession
The build-up play was predictable. Coventry allowed Sunderland time to get set, and there weren’t enough quick switches or incisive passes to disrupt their shape.


4. Transition Issues
When Coventry lost the ball, Sunderland countered effectively. The counter-press wasn’t aggressive enough, and the back line was too exposed—both goals came from transitional moments.


5. Static Attacking Movement
Off-the-ball runs were limited. There was little variation—no underlaps, third-man runs, or movement to unsettle Sunderland’s defenders.

What Could Change?​

If Sunderland line up the same way, Coventry need more than just minor adjustments—they need a bolder approach.

Enter the 3-4-2-1.

Central Overloads
Using two attacking mids (Rudoni and maybe Patterson), Coventry could outnumber Sunderland centrally. Rudoni can make late runs, while Patterson finds pockets and links play.

Wing-Back Width
Van Ewijk and DaSilva can stretch Sunderland, forcing them into tough defensive choices—close the middle or protect the flanks?

More Defensive Stability
A back three allows Coventry to hold a higher line with more security and deal better with counter-attacks.

Other Tactical Tweaks:

• Box midfield in possession to unbalance Sunderland’s 4-4-2
• Front-three rotation to disrupt pressing triggers
• Targeted high pressing—especially off goal kicks or wide passes

Lampard has taken this kind of risk before. That Derby comeback at Elland Road didn’t come from playing it safe.

Will he roll the dice again?

Let’s get ChatGPT in as manager; what could go wrong?

 

[Otis]

The great thing about tomorrow is, there is hardly any pressure on us at all.

We can be a lot more relaxed in some ways. The expectation now is that Sunderland finish the job, so we do have a bit of a free shot at this one.

I am so much more chilled about it. We don't go through, it's still been a great season and the thought is now that Sunderland should win (I do still think we have a great chance)

Sunderland have been in the top 3 or 4, pretty much all season, so there is much more expectation there to win through.

I think we can just be a little more relaxed as fans.

Really looking forward to the game now.

 

[Frostie]

I think there is a bit of an overreaction on here at the moment. We actually outperformed them on xG and theirs will have been massively inflated by Milan giving them one on a plate.

Our chances falling slightly better and we could have run away with it.

Rudoni's goal was almost identical xG to Mayenda's (0.48 vs 0.50) & was the only Big Chance we had.

As much possession & control as we had, we created almost nothing. They did an absolute number on us, forcing us wide & then our only gameplan seemed to be to toss the ball into the box which, given we had left out our only target man striker, they absolutely lapped up.

 

[skyblue_55]

We always seem to make life hard for ourselves, that’s why we love CCFC .
A more relaxed approach, as their fans will be taking this leg for granted , but we all know that chances will come our way & another glorious away victory will be there for our team & off to Wembley again !
CTID

 

[Otis]

Rudoni's goal was almost identical xG to Mayenda's (0.48 vs 0.50) & was the only Big Chance we had.

As much possession & control as we had, we created almost nothing. They did an absolute number on us, forcing us wide & then our only gameplan seemed to be to toss the ball into the box which, given we had left out our only target man striker, they absolutely lapped up.

Only big chance? What about Sheaf's? Completely unmarked from that corner.

There were a few occasions where the ball was bobbling around their 6 yard area and they just got the run of the ball.

I would say Wright's at the end was a big chance too. Excellent defending from them though for that one.

We didn't create much at, but I disagree that we only had one big chance.

 

[Frostie]

Only big chance? What about Sheaf's? Completely unmarked from that corner.

There were a few occasions where the ball was bobbling around their 6 yard area and they just got the run of the ball.

I would say Wright's at the end was a big chance too. Excellent defending from them though for that one.

We didn't create much at, but I disagree that we only had one big chance.

By the Opta definition of Big Chance, not even getting a shot away obviously doesn't count & the Sheaf effort is nowhere near the Big Chance threshold. The effort was dreadful & he obviously should have done better, but it's low xG (0.13). It doesn't even make it onto the extended highlights it was that bad

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

By the Opta definition of Big Chance, not even getting a shot away obviously doesn't count & the Sheaf effort is nowhere near the Big Chance threshold. The effort was dreadful & he obviously should have done better, but it's low xG (0.13). It doesn't even make it onto the extended highlights it was that bad

Well that’s what he means, there’s opportunities that won’t get counted because nobody got a shot away.

 

[Frostie]

Well that’s what he means, there’s opportunities that won’t get counted because nobody got a shot away.

I know.

Perhaps I should have been clearer but that's why I capitalised 'Big Chance' to reflect that I was talking about the statistics. Either way, it's a well established theme now that we struggle to break down teams that put everyone behind the ball & failing to even get a shot away is testament to that too.

Even then, you could realistically argue Sunderland offered more on the counter, Mayenda's break away first half & the shot Wilson saved late on were more likely than our huffing & puffing.

 

[skybluelee]

If we went there level I'd have said every chance


To win at their place by 2 goals is just a bridge too far i feel

We don't necessarily need to win by 2.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

I know.

Perhaps I should have been clearer but that's why I capitalised 'Big Chance' to reflect that I was talking about the statistics. Either way, it's a well established theme now that we struggle to break down teams that put everyone behind the ball & failing to even get a shot away is testament to that too.

Even then, you could realistically argue Sunderland offered more on the counter, Mayenda's break away first half & the shot Wilson saved late on were more likely than our huffing & puffing.

I agree. I thought the tide of the game was already against us as we continued to play into their hands.

It’s the risk you take when you have players drilled in only one way of playing.

 

[alexccfc99]

If the worst happens tomorrow and I see just one "Best team won, good luck at Wembley" post, then I reckon my phone is getting dashed out the window...

 

[Speedies_Chips]

If the worst happens tomorrow and I see just one "Best team won, good luck at Wembley" post, then I reckon my phone is getting dashed out the window...

To be honest, if they go through, I'd rather them go up than Sheffield United.

 

[TomRad85]

To be honest, if they go through, I'd rather them go up than Sheffield United.

Nah, both horrible but the last thing the league needs is another set of parachute wankers. Let the Blunts go up and get pumped every week again.

 

[shmmeee]

Nah, both horrible but the last thing the league needs is another set of parachute wankers. Let the Blunts go up and get pumped every week again.

Would be funny for O’Hare not to get promoted tho.

 

[M&B Stand]

If we have right go tomorrow night, I’ll take whatever.
If we don’t turn up, it’ll just be a massive opportunity thrown away.
Pressure's all on them

 

[Ccfcisparks]

I Assume Chesterfield and Notts County wont bother turning up to their second legs either as they are losing.

 

[TomRad85]

Would be funny for O’Hare not to get promoted tho.

Oh of course you'd take the positives for sure. Seeing O'Hare cry, Wilder with a face like thunder and Hamer tell everyone he's off on the bus home would be fun.

 

[alexccfc99]

To be honest, if they go through, I'd rather them go up than Sheffield United.

I can't stand either of them and if a Sunderland v Sheff U final was being played in my back garden I would shut the curtains

But if it comes to it get Sheff U out the League, I would feel pig sick if Sheffield United got to Wembley and completely flopped/have an off day/didn't show up knowing it could have been us playing them - If we go out tomorrow I hope Sheffield United have a day where they are completely unplayable and they would have beaten anybody

It's also one less parachute payments side to compete with next season and would be funny watching them get pummeled every week, Sour Chops Wilder blaming everyone but himself before he is sacked at Xmas