Sunderland Prepares for Key Play-Off Clash Against Coventry

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris faces key selection dilemmas ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City, with recent heavy squad rotation intended to ensure a fully fit squad for the crucial tie. Defender Dan Ballard has returned from injury and impressed in limited minutes, but his inclusion would mean benching either Chris Mepham or the influential Luke O'Nien, who is almost certain to start. In midfield, Romaine Mundle's return from a hamstring injury creates uncertainty over whether he is fit enough to start or better used as an impact substitute; if not, Enzo Le Fée is expected to fill the left midfield role. Despite Sunderland's poor form leading into the play-offs, with five consecutive defeats and just one goal scored, Le Bris remains confident that the full availability of his squad will allow the team to elevate their performance in these high-stakes matches. He attributes the recent dip in results to strategic rotation and the lack of pressure after securing fourth place early, expressing belief that the play-off stakes will sharpen his team's focus and execution. Overall, Le Bris's approach prioritizes squad freshness and adaptability in pursuit of a return to form at the decisive stage of the season.