Sunderland mark their return to Championship action with a home fixture against Coventry City on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Sky Blues make the long trip to the Stadium of Light looking to improve on their solid campaign under Mark Robins during 2021-22.
Match preview
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When Sunderland made the decision to replace Lee Johnson with Alex Neil at the start of the year, they were naturally taking a considerable risk in a bid to earn a long-awaited return to the Championship.
However, Black Cats fans need not have worried, the Scot delivering 10 wins and seven draws from 18 games to earn promotion through the League One playoffs.
Two-and-a-half months on from that success and Sunderland fans will have high hopes that their club can cement themselves back in the second tier, a consequence of some smart business being conducted by Neil and the powers-that-be.
The acquisition of Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard stands out thus far, Neil requiring foundations to be laid at the back before they can contemplate a bid for the playoffs.
Results-wise, Sunderland have endured a tough pre-season, a schedule which was concluded with failure to defeat any of Bradford City, Accrington Stanley or Hartlepool United.
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Such was the level of Coventry's improvement last season that many of their fans would have been disappointed with the eventual 12th-placed finish.
Nevertheless, Robins will take that as a compliment, and there is expectation that the Sky Blues can put together a more sustained push this time around.
As well as a 100% record being posted in their friendlies, Robins will be delighted to sign the likes of former Chelsea youngsters Jonathan Panzo and Kasey Palmer.
More incomings will inevitably follow but for now at least, everything is pointing to Coventry being ideally prepared to make a fast start to the new campaign.
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Team News
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Neil is expected to name a Sunderland XI which is similar to the one which lined up against Accrington Stanley last weekend.
Carl Winchester returned from illness to feature against Hartlepool on Monday, but he will likely feature among the replacements.
Leon Dajaku failed to feature during that game courtesy of a calf injury, and the winger will only be named on the substitutes' bench at best.
Coventry forward Martyn Waghorn is expected to be fit for the game against his former club after missing the last friendly with Portsmouth as a precaution.
Palmer is less likely to feature and will not be rushed back from injury, and the starting lineup could remain the same from the victory on the South coast.
Tayo Adaramola, who arrived on loan from Crystal Palace earlier this week, is likely to be kept in reserve.
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Gooch, Wright, Ballard, Cirkin; Evans, Neil; Roberts, Pritchard, Clarke; Stewart
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Wilson; Dabo, Hyam, McFadzean, Panzo, Bidwell; Allen, Hamer; O'Hare; Godden, Gyokeres
We say: Sunderland 2-1 Coventry City
Both managers will be happy with their transfer business thus far, throwing up the possibility of an entertaining game being played out in the North-East. However, while we expect Coventry to push their hosts all the way, Sunderland could nick a win through a late goal at the Stadium of Light.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
