Sunderland Names Shock Lineup for Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Against Coventry

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has named a surprising lineup for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City, including both forwards Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, and a recalled Dan Ballard in central defense. Despite Sunderland's recent poor form, with five consecutive losses and only one goal scored, Le Bris believes the play-off games will be a completely different challenge compared to the regular season encounters, emphasizing the changed mindset and motivation with Premier League football at stake. Sunderland secured a solid fourth place early in the season, but their form dipped after key defeats, a pattern Le Bris compares to PSG’s struggles despite their dominant campaigns. Coventry City, who won 3-0 against Sunderland earlier in the season, will host the first leg and have welcomed back Ephron Mason-Clark from injury, with former Sunderland player Ben Wilson in goal. Le Bris remains confident, citing improved training intensity and the unique motivational factor of the play-offs as reasons his team can overcome their recent lethargy. The return leg is scheduled at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, where the team hopes to have additional squad members available.