Ahead of tomorrow's game at the Coventry Building Society Arena, we spoke to Dean from the Sky Blues Extra Podcast to talk about Coventry's season...
Currently 6th in the league under Frank Lampard, after saying goodbye to Mark Robins earlier in the season. What's been the story of your season so far?
The start of the season was incredibly disappointing under Robins' tenure. There was a huge amount of enthusiasm around giving automatic promotion a decent challenge in the summer, however the early season performance and results never showed signs of that materialising and that ultimately cost Robins his job. Since then, performances and more importantly results have turned around under Lampard which has seen us make a late charge for a play-off position.
What are your thoughts on Lampard in the dugout?
I personally feel he’s done a good job of it so far. It’s very obvious that he’s working with a group of players that won’t ultimately suit the style of play he wants to use, but he’s making the best of the situation he’s got and making it work. He seems to have installed a new sense of belief in the team and that has also rubbed off on the fanbase.
Five wins in your last six matches, what's been the main factor behind this form?
A mixtures of taking our chances, a largely unchanged team and having a fair share of luck go in our favour. I wouldn’t say the football has been brilliant to watch during this period, but it’s been effective at winning football matches which is the most important thing as this stage of the season.
Haji Wright is your top scorer with seven goals, what kind of player is he?
Haji very much splits opinions in our fanbase because of how much he blows hot and cold. On some days he shows ability and finishing that could cut it at the top level of football, but on other occasions he can frustrate the daylights out of you by showing absolutely none of that ability. He’s just coming back after a long-term injury which actually occurred in the reverse fixture at the Stadium Of Light so he is still getting back up to speed with things and we are hoping he hits his stride this weekend.
Our old friend Ellis Simms is on six for the season, what do the Coventry fans think of him?
There’s no doubt that Simms has ability and knows where the back of the net is, but he just doesn’t show it enough to be classed as a top quality striker. He cut a frustrated figure early in the season and offered very little, however since Lampard has come in he has managed to get Ellis’ performance levels much higher but ultimately he is judged on his goals, and unfortunately he just hasn’t scored enough for my liking this season, especially with the chances he’s had.
Other than those two, who are some of your best players?
Jack Rudoni has been the standout for me this season. He’s brought creativity, assist and goals from midfield to this team and for me is in serious consideration for the championship team of the season. However, he is out currently nursing a dislocated shoulder but should be back from the final 6 games of the season. I think he could be the difference maker as to if we make the playoffs or not.
Elsewhere, I think the wingers in Tatsu Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clarke have really shone under Lampard and are a big threat with the ball at their feet. Both are playing with a lot of confidence and freedom and I expect them to cause Sunderland some issues out wide.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Hard to look past the likes of Patrick Roberts and Wilson Isidor for this one. Isidor has been superb this season, and his pace and power will no doubt cause our defensive line some issues.
What's your score prediction and goalscorers?
I fancy us to nick it, maybe another late goal with the Sky Blues coming out on top 2-1. Sakamoto and Wright for us, Roberts for you.
Where do you think both sides will finish this season? Will this fixture be replayed in the play-offs!?
I do expect the both of us to finish in the playoffs which would be brilliant achievements for both sides considering the expectations for Sunderland at the start of the year and the circumstances that we have found ourselves in.
There’s a very good chance that we meet in the playoffs, but let’s hope it’s in the final under the May sunshine at Wembley rather than the 2-legged affair! I’m not sure Sunderland fans, given their record against Coventry, would be relishing that matchup…
