Championship

Sunderland v Coventry betting tips

Sunderland had a disappointing pre-season which ended in a 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United. This, however, was not the case with Coventry, who have had a very good pre-season with the recent match finishing as a 2-0 win over Portsmouth.

Round One of England Championship kick-start this week as Sunderland play host to Coventry. These two sides will be seen clashing at Stadium of Light this Saturday in this new season.

After years of struggles and disappointments, Sunderland returned to the Championship after a 4-year gap. They finished 5th in League One at the end of last season while qualifying for the playoffs. In the semi-finals, they beat Sheffield Wednesday and went on to beat Wycombe Wanderers in the final to secure a return to the second flight of English football.

Coventry scored 40 of their 60 league goals in the second half of matches last season. Viktor Gyokeres was a surprise star for Coventry two seasons ago after a failed loan at Swansea and he carried that form into last season. He took 136 shots last season, having at least one in every appearance – even off the bench. Only failed to take 2 shots four times in 45 games and two of those games were from the bench where he played less than 30 minutes. He also managed 5 or more shots in seven games.

Sunderland v Coventry key stats

• Sunderland are unbeaten in their last nine home league games (Won 7, Drew 2).
• Coventry are unbeaten in their last four Championship away games (Won 2, Drew 2).
• Coventry lost only four of their final 16 Championship away games last season
• Sunderland A.F.C. have not lost any of their last 16 matches
• Sunderland A.F.C. have won 7 of their past 10 home matches
• Sunderland A.F.C. have scored 2 or more goals in 5 of their past 10 home matches
• Sunderland A.F.C. have kept 9 clean sheets in their past 20 matches
• Coventry City have failed to win any of their last 4 matches
• Coventry City have conceded 2 or more goals in 5 of their last 10 away matches