After a less than impressive start, Phil Parkinson and Sunderland are currently looking anything but promotion candidates. Nine games into his reign, the Black Cats have won just twice and have also been knocked out of three cup competitions. On Saturday, they face Coventry City, followed by a midweek game against Burton Albion. Both games are at home and both games are huge.
Two Huge Games Ahead for Phil Parkinson
Phil Parkinson’s Sunderland Lacking in Confidence and Ideas
The Phil Parkinson era at Sunderland has not inspired confidence amongst fans. Apart from the 5-0 victory at home to Tranmere Rovers, the Black Cats have looked deprived of confidence and ideas. The last four games, which have seen Sunderland knocked out of both the FA Cup and EFL Trophy, have been some of the poorest performances many have witnessed. Shots at goal have been few, as have chances created. The quality of Sunderland’s play is something bemoaned by Parkinson.
One positive that can be taken from these games is that they have been cup games. Even so, no one likes to be beaten, particularly without a fight. The league is the number one priority, with promotion the aim. At present, Parkinson’s men are lying ninth in the table; however, they are just two points off the play-off places. Sunderland can begin to repair some of the damage from the last four games. They have two huge games coming up at home, games were they need maximum points.
Coventry City – 23/11/19
Coventry visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Sky Blues are currently third in League One and are undefeated in their last five league games. City have also lost just twice this season, the same number as Phil Parkinson has lost since becoming Sunderland manager. One stat that will give hope is that Coventry are yet to win away from home this season.
Last time at the Stadium of Light, Coventry returned home with all three points. In a remarkable game, City won by five goals to four. It was a game that saw the Black Cats lose their unbeaten 19-match home run. It also gave the home side a major blow in their quest for automatic promotion.
Team News
Phil Parkinson will welcome back several players back to his squad. Jon McLaughlin, Connor McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan and Benji Kimpioka are back from international duty. Midfielder George Dobson and defenders Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch missed the recent cup exit at Gillingham and are hoping to return. Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch are nearing full fitness but Saturday could come too soon. Striker Marc McNulty is also a doubt with a tight hamstring.
Big Decisions to be Made
Phil Parkinson will have several decisions to make ahead of these games. Both McLaughlin and Lee Burge have been used in goal. It could be time for Parkinson to pick his number one and stick with him.
Being new to the club, it was inevitable that Parkinson would try different formations and styles of play. A return to the formation and style that worked so well against Tranmere should be taken under serious consideration.
Will Grigg is another who Parkinson needs to decide on. The Northern Ireland international has been a prolific League One striker at other clubs. However, the January signing has failed to produce since arriving on Wearside. Stick with the low-on-confidence striker and find a way to get the best out of him, or admit defeat and bring in another forward who is not so out of sorts?
Burton Albion – 26/11/19
Nigel Clough, who was born in Sunderland, arrives with his Burton side at the Stadium of Light next Tuesday night. The game was originally due to be played on September 7th but international call-ups meant the game was postponed.
Sunderland have yet to beat Burton at home. Albion relegated the Black Cats from the Championship in 2018, scoring two late goals. Last season saw the teams play out a 1-1 draw. With Sunderland desperate for the win, now would be the perfect time to beat Nigel Clough’s men for the first time at the Stadium of Light.
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