Sunderland host Coventry City this weekend so here are five players that you should keep an eye out for during the game.
BRADLEY COLLINS
Collins has usurped Academy of Light product Ben Wilson as the Sky Blues' number one between the sticks and that looks to have been a good decision so far. He's started their last seven games, of which they've only lost one and has kept four clean sheets which is more than Wilson had kept in 15 games this season. The 26 year old was born in Southampton and began his career with Chelsea at the age of 13 in 2010. He failed to make any appearances for the London giants but had successful loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Burton Albion before departing for Barnsley on a permanent transfer in 2019. During his time at the Tykes he would play 117 times, helping them to stay in the Championship for two seasons, he stayed after their eventual relegation and joined Coventry for an undisclosed fee this summer.
HAJI WRIGHT
Another new arrival for Coventry this season, Wright has been effective so far in his role as a striker and is their joint-top goal scorer in the Championship so far with six goals. The American international has clearly adapted quickly to his first job at an English club. He has previous experience in the Bundesliga, Eredivisie and Super Lig and his most successful period at any club came in Turkey as he managed to find the back of the net 31 times in 64 matches at Antalyaspor. Haji's international career has been burgeoning as well, with the Californian scoring at the World Cup in Qatar against the Netherlands. Standing at just under 6'4 he's certainly going to be a huge physical challenge for our defense.
JOSH ECCLES
He's been with his home city club since the age of seven and last season, which saw Coventry be just a penalty shootout away from top flight football, was a breakout year for the now 23 year old central midfielder. He actually scored his penalty in the play-off final. Described as someone who is effective at spotting and countering opposition attacks and also a player who is great at keeping the ball moving, it looks like Eccles has a lot of potential going forward. Versatility is another one of his strengths and he can play in the centre of midfield, move up to play a more attacking role or move deeper to play a defensive role and can even move out right to play as a right wing back.
BOBBY THOMAS
Thomas moved from Burnley to Coventry in summer but the 22 year old spent all of last season out on loan at Barnsley. He only managed one appearance for the Clarets, and most of his playing time was found during loan spells to Kendal Town, Barrow, Bristol Rovers and the aforementioned Barnsley. The Coventry Building Society Arena has provided a permanent home for the youngster, which is definitely needed for a player to truly complete their development and standing at just under 6'3 he most certainly fits the profile of a central defender in Mark Robin's Coventry but with the added threat of him apparently being good at aiding attacks as well.
ELLIS SIMMS
Many were disappointed when Frank Lampard made the decision to recall Simms to Everton ahead of the January transfer window last season and who can blame them when he had scored seven goals in 17 for us and formed a great partnership with Ross Stewart. His move to Coventry, simply put, looks a bit of a disaster for him at the moment. Only two goals in 22 games isn't a good enough return. But given the record of ex-Sunderland players against Sunderland, especially at the Stadium of Light don't be too surprised when he inevitably wheels away in celebration having put the visitors 1-0 up. Simms is still only 22 and there's clearly still time for him yet, with one bad half-season at Coventry far from defining his career forever.
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