Coventry vs Sunderland preview: Isidor set to return as Lampard waits on Thomas

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Coventry vs Sunderland preview: Wilson Isidor could return for the visitors as Frank Lampard waits on Bobby Thomas before Saturday’s Premier League meeting at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The match kicks off at 3pm GMT on 31 October. Coventry are looking to respond to successive league defeats, while Sunderland return to Premier League action after reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Régis Le Bris’ side beat Brentford 3-2 on Wednesday, following a goalless draw with Leeds United. Coventry lost 3-1 at Tottenham on 19 October, before Fulham won 1-0 at the Coventry Building Society Arena the following Saturday.

Coventry vs Sunderland preview: can the visitors build on their cup win?

Sunderland scored three times in 13 first-half minutes against Brentford, with Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tutierov and Malick Fofana establishing a commanding lead.

Callum Wilson and Igor Thiago replied for the visitors, but Sunderland held on to progress, as detailed in Sky Sports’ match report.

Le Bris made 11 changes from the side that faced Leeds for Wednesday’s cup tie, according to the Sunderland Echo’s team-news report. Kevin Danso returned from a one-match suspension to captain the side, while Thomas Meunier was back among the substitutes after a hamstring problem.

That gives Le Bris a different selection question for the trip to Coventry. A successful cup performance does not guarantee the same players will start again in the league.

Jocelin Ta Bi was involved in all three Sunderland goals during that first-half spell. Read our Jocelin Ta Bi report for Le Bris’ explanation of how he is managing the winger’s development.

Coventry team news: Bobby Thomas faces a late assessment

Thomas is a doubt because of a calf problem, Lampard confirmed in Thursday’s pre-match update. However, the Coventry manager said the injury was less serious than initially feared.

“So we’re not sure about this weekend. We’ll see,” Lampard said, quoted by Hayters. The update does not rule him out or confirm that he will be ready.

Haji Wright has resumed light individual work on the grass, Lampard said in the same update. That represents progress in his recovery rather than confirmation of a return against Sunderland. Josh Eccles had not yet returned to work on the grass.

Sunderland team news: Isidor expected back, Mukiele a doubt

Isidor has returned to training and Le Bris expects him to be available, although the striker has not been confirmed as a starter.

“Wilson should be available,” the head coach said in Thursday’s update, reported by the Sunderland Echo.

Nordi Mukiele remains a doubt after the knock that forced him off against Leeds. Le Bris described it as a minor, short-term injury but left his involvement against Coventry unresolved.

Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle remain unavailable. Habib Diarra is available after his half-time withdrawal against Brentford was explained as a planned measure to manage his workload.

For the background to the striker’s absence, read our Wilson Isidor injury update.

What Le Bris expects from Coventry

Le Bris pointed to Coventry’s two Premier League victories as evidence of their competitiveness, while acknowledging the adjustment involved in moving from the Championship to the top flight.

In BBC Sport’s account of his press conference, he also welcomed Sunderland’s demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions.

Brian Brobbey’s return against Leeds has given Sunderland another option in attack. Le Bris said the forward was improving following his injury lay-off, with Isidor’s potential availability adding to the choices for Saturday.

Coventry vs Sunderland kick-off and viewing details

The match begins at 3pm GMT on Saturday 31 October at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

It is not being shown live on UK television because it falls within the Saturday afternoon broadcast blackout. Read our Coventry vs Sunderland viewing guide for the viewing and highlights information.

For another Saturday Premier League fixture, read our Hull vs Ipswich preview.

Coventry vs Sunderland preview: your questions answered

What time is Coventry vs Sunderland?

Kick-off is at 3pm GMT on Saturday 31 October at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Is Wilson Isidor available against Coventry?

Le Bris said Isidor should be available after returning to training. His involvement and starting place have not been confirmed.

Is Bobby Thomas fit to face Sunderland?

Thomas is a doubt with a calf problem. Lampard said Coventry would assess him before the match.

Is Coventry vs Sunderland on UK television?

No. The match falls within the Saturday afternoon broadcast blackout.

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