Tuesday 13 May 2025 marks the first leg of the Championship Playoff semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry City. Kick-off is set for 21:00 CEST in Italy, Germany, France and Spain, while fans in the UK can tune in from 20:00 BST. This fixture takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, promising an electric atmosphere as both sides chase a coveted spot in the final.
After a thrilling regular season, neither team can afford to take a backward step in this two-leg showdown. Coventry will be buoyed by home form, whereas Sunderland must arrest a worrying run of defeats. With high stakes and momentum on the line, expect tension, drama and a cagey tactical battle.
How are both teams coming into this?
Coventry City arrive in confident mood under Frank Lampard, having won seven of their last eight matches at home. A late-season flourish saw them secure a playoff spot with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough, thanks to Jack Rudoni’s brace. The Sky Blues have kept four clean sheets in their last five home wins and look balanced and organised in defence and attack.
Sunderland’s form has been a concern, losing their final five Championship fixtures, including a surprise 1-0 defeat to QPR. Regis Le Bris’ men have struggled to create clear chances and are without a goal in four of those losses. At full strength they can pose a threat, but inconsistency and low confidence may hold them back in this crucial first leg.
Our forecast
We’re backing Coventry to take a slender first-leg advantage thanks to their strong home performances. Sunderland’s recent woes in front of goal, combined with Coventry’s disciplined defensive displays, point towards a low-scoring affair. Expect Lampard’s side to dominate possession and carve out the better opportunities.
Our predicted scoreline is a 2-0 win for Coventry City. Jack Rudoni remains their key creative outlet, while Matt Grimes and captain Kieran Wallace will marshal the midfield effectively. Sunderland must improve decisive final-third play if they are to avoid a deficit heading to the Stadium of Light.
Best odds
Bet365: Coventry City to win @ 11/8
William Hill: Draw @ 31/14
Betfair: Sunderland to win @ 12/5
Possible lineups
Coventry are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Ben Wilson likely to start in goal. The back four of Bidwell, Kitching, Thomas and Ewijk should provide stability, while Grimes and Sheaf anchor the midfield. Rudoni, Wright and Sakamoto support lone striker Simms in attack.
Sunderland could opt for a similar 4-2-3-1 shape, with Patterson in goal and a back four of Cirkin, O’Nien, Ballard and Hume. In midfield, Bellingham and Le Fée will look to supply Rigg, Roberts and Mayenda. Aji Alese might come into contention if Le Bris decides to refresh his centre-back partnership.
