The stakes couldn't be higher for the Black Cats this weekend. They've move into a great position to spring an automatic promotion assault in the final matches, but one slip will see their rivals seize the initiative.

Barnsley have fallen away in recent weeks, leaving Portsmouth in the hunt for a top two place once more. With Charlton also hot on their heels, the Black Cats will have to be on top form to stay in the top two.

Injuries have rocked their squad though, Aiden McGeady is now doubtful, adding to Chris Maguire, Duncan Watmore, Lee Cattermole, Lynden Gooch, Dylan McGeouch, Adam Matthews and Denver Hume, all of whom will likely miss out.

The treatment room at the Stadium of Light needs a revolving door at the moment, but there's still plenty of top quality footballers for Jack Ross to choose from.

Here's our XI for tomorrow's clash with Coventry.

Starting at the back, there will be a familiar feel to the side. The keeper and three of the back four pick themselves, Luke O'Nien has settled nicely in at right back and Jack Baldwin is back to his best.

Bryan Oviedo was very much the forgotten man after Christmas, but he's shown great application to bounce back for the good of the team.

In midfield, with several stars injured it'll be Max Power partnering Grant Leadbitter. Usually, the Black Cats play a 4-2-3-1, but with injuries and a tweak to the system those two will hold the midfield in a traditional 4-4-2.

[ad_pod ]

The flanks have also been decimated by injury, but George Honeyman can play off one side, whilst Lewis Morgan is a sure-fire bet on the other.

Assuming there's no late injury news, Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg will be looking to bring the goals that see the Black Cats move further ahead in the promotion race.