Another romantic tale is born in the Championship, the kind of romantic tales that are so beloved in England. A star footballer, but not too successful young coach, which Coventry City fans did not want so much, turns the club into a powerful force, capable of taking a place in the Championship play-offs, to beat some favourites - like Sheffield United or Burnley in the final. Such a fate of Frank Lampard at the head of the sky-blues now fascinates even neutral English fans. However, will this be the reality itself? Sunderland looks less interesting against the background of the upcoming opponent, but the "black cats" before the start of the season did not go in the favourites of the division either. Now the team is firmly located in the fourth position of the Championship, having a serious gap from the competitors from the top 3, as well as a huge handicap in front of the pursuers, which include Coventry City. Bookmakers have not identified the favourites of the upcoming meeting, offering a slight bias of the odds in favour of the home team.

Coventry City has proven its competitiveness in the Championship. From mid-January to the current time "sky-blues" took part in eleven rounds of the championship, according to the results of which scored 27 points out of 33 possible. The only club to take points away from Coventry before the last round was Leeds United, who are top of the league. The team's defeat a few days ago to Derby County was the first in a long period, which is quite difficult to explain. "Barans" hit the goalposts of Coventry City twice, both strikes were embodied in goals. Now "sky-blue" are two points away from relegation from the top 6, which may lead to excessive nervousness of the players, because Coventry's winning run has already been stopped.

Sunderland, by and large, have guaranteed themselves a place in the top 6. If not from a mathematical point of view, then from a practical point of view. This allows the Black Cats to play without the aforementioned nervousness. In the past three rounds, Sunderland have picked up seven out of nine possible points with one away and one home win each. The visitors look a more mature team this season, which will be closer to victory in Coventry.