Fresh attacking impetus required as Frank Lampard’s men look to overturn Sunderland deficit
Coventry City predicted team from CoventryLive as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner attempts to second guess Frank Lampard’s selection to face Sunderland in the second leg play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light
Frank Lampard has to come up with a tactical master plan as Coventry City bid to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit in Tuesday night’s play-off semi-final decider at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have both a numerical and home advantage over the Sky Blues after securing a late victory at the CBS Arena on Friday night, courtesy of an Eliezer Mayenda winner two minutes from normal time.
But with another 90 minutes to play, history tells us that all is not lost as Lampard knows from his own experience in the play-offs back in 2019 when he managed Derby County who overturned a 1-0 first leg defeat to Leeds United with a 4-2 shock at Elland Road.
The big question is, what team will he pick in a bid to pull off an equally impressive turn-around?
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It’s fair to say that Ben Wilson will remain in goal, with the Durham-born player set to play in his first senior game at the club he supported and came through their ranks as a young lad.
It’s hard to see the back four changing either, with Milan van Ewijk looking to dust himself down after his errant backpass gifted Mayenda glory in the first leg, and help make amends on the right. Jay Dasilva made an impressive return from a one match ban on Friday and, like van Ewijk, is a key part of Lampard’s attack as an overlapping full-back and should, therefore, be favourite to again start ahead of Jake Bidwell on the left.
That leaves first choice central defensive pairing Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching to continue their partnership.
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Matt Grimes is one of the first names on the teamsheet and is once again expected to operate in the middle of the park with Ben Sheaf, with Jamie Allen and Josh Eccles providing alternative options.
Tatsuhiro Sakamoto caused the Black Cats problems on Friday night, particularly in the first half, and is expected to again operate on the right wing while Lampard has a big decision to make on the opposite flank which has been occupied by Haji Wright in recent weeks. However, the return of Ephron Mason-Clark at the weekend after sitting out the previous five games gives the head coach plenty of food for thought. The 25-year-old went on for the last 20-odd minutes and Lampard has to decide whether he is fit enough to start to provide a fresh attacking impetus from the first whistle.
If that is the case, that could pave the way for Wright to be deployed down the middle, while certain starter Jack Rudoni continues to operate as a number ten just behind.
