Sunderland’s abysmal run of form continued with the FA Cup exit on Tuesday, and Phil Parkinson is quickly losing the confidence and patience of the fans.
Change is needed, whether that is in playing personnel or the approach taken in matches, otherwise the run of not scoring and not picking up wins will in all likelihood continue.
The new boss has seen 11 goals scored in the nine games he’s managed, with the 5-0 win over Tranmere papering over the cracks in that department.
For a manager who was meant to oversee a change in fortunes not only in terms of results but in making Sunderland more exciting to watch, he has failed so far, yet it is likely he will continue to operate with the same style that has let him down previously.
Parkinson has operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation in every league game so far and in those matches in has mostly been the same players on the pitch, with often the only change being who is chosen to play on the wing.
He has mixed things up in recent cup matches though, operating with a 4-3-3 formation against Scunthorpe and a 3-5-2 against Gillingham, but considering that only yielded more failure he will probably return to basics and stick with his stubborn approach.
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As a result, here is the predicted Sunderland starting line-up to take on Coventry.
It is understandable if Parkinson chooses the XI above, as on paper the likes of Will Grigg, Aiden McGeady and Duncan Watmore can be matchwinners.
Unfortunately for the Black Cats, they have displayed their best football all too scarcely this season, and against a Coventry side flying high in third place with only 19 league goals conceded, it promises to be another difficult outing.
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That is mainly because Grigg has scored just one league goal this term, yet looks set to start once more after Parkinson came out and publicly backed him to start performing.
Such a decision should be questioned if he continues to underperform, though it may not prevent Sunderland from picking up a result as their defence has often looked dependable.
A makeshift backline kept a clean sheet for more than 90 minutes against Gillingham and with Joel Lynch and Jordan Willis returning to the side – as well as George Dobson who will add protection in front – the Black Cats should be difficult to break down.
After all, they have conceded two or more goals just twice under Parkinson, and that foundation could allow his side to sneak victory, especially if they get a moment of magic from the returning Aiden McGeady.
