On Sky
It’s a new season. And a new era for Sunderland. Chairman and manager Niall Quinn takes his Sunderland side, relegated with a record low total last season, to Coventry to begin their attempt to jump back up at the first attempt.
Vital Quotes:
Striker Jon Stead: ‘I have to look at this as a fresh start. I don’t want the ghost of last season to weigh on my mind.
‘No matter how the season before has gone, I always like to start afresh and I think it’s vital that I do that this season. I’ve done well in pre-season and I have played well so hopefully that will continue.
‘Whoever plays on Sunday it will be a tough game at Coventry, although we will be going there in a confident mood.’
Coventry gaffer Micky Adams: ‘We are excited about the start of the season now. I am in a fantastic state of mind and we are all ready for it.
‘It is always an exciting time at this point. We have not lost a league game yet so my confidence is sky high.’
Coventry City Team News:
New signing Wayne Andrews is out injured after sustaining an injury in a pre-season game against Boavista, while fellow new addition Colin Cameron is suspended. New loan goalkeeper Luke Steele and Moroccan Faysal El Idrissi have signed in time to be included in the squad.
Player to watch: Gary McSheffrey
Coventry have done well to hold on to their main attacking threat, with Birmingham having made several bids for the striker this summer. Despite being sent off in pre-season, he escapes suspension from this game due to an appeal.
Sunderland Team News:
George McCartney is the main injury worry, and with no new left back yet signed as cover, Danny Collins will most likely deputise. New signing Kenny Cunningham is likely to start alongside Caldwell at the back. Liam Lawrence suffered a knock in training but should be ok to start on the right hand side of midfield.
Player to watch: Jon Stead
If anyone in this side has a point to prove, this man has. Has looked sharp in pre-season, and will be desperate to get an early goal this season to avoid any of the pressure of last term.
Match Facts & Stats
This is Sunderland’s first visit to the Ricoh Arena. Their last trip to Coventry, High Field Road, came in the first game of the 2004/05 season when Peter Reid’s Coventry ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Patrick Suffo and Eddie Johnson.
Match Prediction:
Sunderland rarely do well in opening day away trips, as we saw the last time we visited Coventry. Having said that, we should still come away with a point. 1-1
Next Fixtures:
A big midweek clash at home to fellow relegated side Birmingham on Wednesday.
