Bitesize Prediction: Sunderland vs Coventry – 31/07/22

Competition: Championship

Market: Under 2.5 goals

Odds: 4/5 @ 888sport

Two sides opening their Championship campaign on Sunday lunchtime, Sunderland will welcome Coventry to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Starting with the hosts, although Sunderland might have made their Championship return last season, the Black Cats have endured a downbeat summer run. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw away at National League outfit Hartlepool, Alex Neil’s men managed to win just one of their final five friendly contests. With those issues highlighted by a pair of 2-1 and 2-0 losses against Accrington Stanley and Sunderland, the former Premier League side will be desperate to prove that was just a minor blip. Expecting what could be a stellar atmosphere at the Stadium of Light this weekend, Sunderland did continue to shine in the north east last season. It should be highlighted, Neil’s side were unbeaten in their last nine League One home fixtures last year, a run that saw them muster 25 points.

As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have endured a downbeat summer run, the mood in Coventry’s camp should be at a high. Signing off their preparations with a 2-0 victory away at League One outfit Portsmouth, Mark Robins’ men won each of their five pre-season friendlies. With that run highlighted by a shock 3-1 romp away at Premier League returners Nottingham Forest, the Sky Blues will be desperate to lay down an early marker here. Clinching a top-half finish last season and with some in their camp even dreaming of a sustained play-off charge, Coventry should also be boosted by their most recent meeting against Sunday’s hosts. Claiming a 1-0 victory when the two sides last faced off back in March 2020 while on League One duties, it should also be noted that four of their last five meetings have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals at Sunderland vs Coventry 4/5 for Sunday’s Championship opener @ 888sport