Sunderland face a huge clash as they take on Coventry City this weekend.

The Black Cats are in a torrid run of form having won just twice in 10 games since Phil Parkinson took over as manager.

That poor form includes three defeats in their last four games.

Now that they're out of the FA Cup and EFL Trophy, focus firmly switches to the league with Sunderland frantically chasing promotion to the Championship.

The Wearsiders currently sit in ninth place in League One, and while they're just two points off the top six, they're already eight points off the pace in their primary target of securing automatic promotion.

Parkinson needs to get a result, but who will he pick to face the Sky Blues? Here's our predicted line-up.

With results hard to come by of late, it could be a base of reverting to the last formula that worked.

Sunderland's 1-0 win over Southend was the last win for Phil Parkinson's side, and subject to fitness, it could be wise to pick that same side against Coventry City.

That means that Jon McLaughlin should start in goal, while Conor McLaughlin and Denver Hume could join the returning Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch in defence.

Can you name Sunderland's top goalscorers from the last 15 seasons? Have a go!

 

Max Power and George Dobson - who returns from injury this weekend - could line up in midfield, while Luke O'Nien, Chris Maguire and Aiden McGeady will add the attacking emphasis to the midfield.

Will Grigg is expected to lead the line once again, with Charlie Wyke ruled out and Marc McNulty a doubt for the clash with his former club.

He's struggled for goals of late, but Phil Parkinson will be hoping that Grigg can find his form ahead of a crucial few weeks in Sunderland's season.