Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
Frank Lampard takes his Coventry City side up to Sunderland for the play-off semi-final second leg tonight needing a victory on Wearside.
The play-offs continue to excite and Sheffield United await the victor between Sunderland and Coventry at the Stadium of Light. They beat Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate, but a much tighter and nervier affair is likely to take place between fourth and fifth.
Frank Lampard called for calm and to not look too far ahead of themselves but the Coventry boss is looking to end their disappointment at Wembley against a Sunderland side who have only beaten Cov once in 11 outings.
That came in the first leg, which is partly why Troy Deeney argued the Black Cats are underdogs due to terrible form to end Sunderland’s season. It meant that Regis Le Bris was dividing fans for these defining fixtures ahead of the first semi-final.
Sam Parkin provides Sunderland vs Coventry play-off prediction
The win was particularly impressive, given that the Black Cats have a worrying record against Cov, with Wilson Isidor given particular praise for his Sunderland performance, as well as Dan Ballard at the back in helping Sunderland defend like ‘demons’.
Le Bris was praised for his Sunderland set up but it’s unclear whether he will want a repeat of that tactical framework on Tuesday night again. Sam Parkin is an EFL pundit for the BBC and talkSPORT, as well as being a co-commentator for Sky Sports, and he spoke to Benjamin Bloom to provide his verdict.
Bloom said: “It’s going to be absolutely fascinating. I’ve heard arguments been given to me that Regis Le Bris can’t approach it the way he did on Friday night and that he definitely will approach it the way he did.
“I surely think, why would you not start the game in the same manner and ask the question of Frank Lampard, ‘what have you got here?’
“This is the one where you could get the fight back. You could get Coventry going through. I think it might go to extra time. I think it’s going to be close. Or are Sunderland going to get a draw to go through to Wembley?
“Oh, mate, this is so hard to call. I really don’t appreciate the fact I’m going first here. I’m going to go for the game to be drawn. I’m going to go for a really exciting Desmond. Which would then be a 4-3 win on aggregate.
“We’ll see what the stadium is like and whether there is a bit of play-off trauma in the air as well. But I’m going to go Sunderland to qualify.”
Parkin responded: “For the purpose of what we’re doing, it’s about painting a picture in your mind and to create a storyline. I’m with you, mate, to be honest. Why can’t Sunderland counter-attack their way to Wembley?
“I didn’t expect 80% possession and we know Coventry are good with the ball. And I’ve seen Sunderland play 4-4-2 or to that effect with the two frontmen. I know there’s kind of little changes and little iterations in their set up as it goes.
“But, give or take, it’s two proper centre-forwards playing in there, two wide players tucked in, and Mayenda had a great game I thought. Even without the goal, he carried a real threat for them. So why not?
“I think Coventry will score. I don’t think they can stop them from scoring but I think the 1-1 is a decent shout here.
“The way they defended, Ballard in particular, the opportunity, the luxury they’ve got to introduce [Chris] Mepham at some stage — if they are defending a lead or trying to get over the line with the game tied.
“I think there’s a strong likelihood of that happening. I’m going to go for the 1-1.”
Coventry City should be concerned by Sunderland’s incredible play-off record
Le Bris had a plan for Sunderland heading into the game down in Coventry and his side enacted it perfectly after the Sunderland boss promised that a repeat of the 3-0 in March would not happen again.
He faces a Sunderland team with a remarkable play-off record at home, too. The Black Cats will be roared on by a near sell-out crowd as well, making it a potentially incredible atmosphere and a difficult one for Coventry to navigate.
As shown by That Cov Pod on Twitter/X, Sunderland have never lost a home play-off match before. The size of the task is evident, but strange things can happen in one-off games and Sunderland only hold a slender lead; it should be thrilling, no matter what.