Frank Lampard Aware of Intense Rivalry Between Coventry City and Sunderland
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has acknowledged the intense and often bitter rivalry between his team and Sunderland, despite the clubs being almost 200 miles apart. The rivalry dates back to the 1976/77 season, when Sunderland’s relegation was sealed after a 15-minute delay at Highfield Road.
Lampard, who is new to the fixture, has done his homework on the history between the two clubs and welcomes the extra “edge” it brings to the game. He compared it to the historical rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds, which he experienced during his playing days.
“I’m aware of the history of it, but I’m fresh to it,” Lampard said. “I hope it gives the game that bit more intensity than any other game, potentially. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of edge to a game, as long as it’s well-contained and done in the right manner.”
The Coventry City boss is aware that Sunderland have not won in the West Midlands for 40 years, a run stretching back 12 visits to 1985. However, he is not surprised by Sunderland’s strong season, citing their consistency and good players.
“Sunderland are a very good team,” Lampard said. “They play in a very similar way week on week. They’ve had a long period this season to work with a manager from the very start of pre-season. They’ve got good players, good individuals, and there’s no fortune in what they’re doing, so they very much deserve to be where they are in the league.”
The match between Coventry City and Sunderland is expected to be intense, with both teams vying for promotion. Lampard’s Coventry City side is currently sixth in the Championship, while Sunderland is fourth.
Match Preview: Coventry City vs. Sunderland
- Date: Saturday
- Venue: CBS Arena
- Coventry City’s current form: 6th in the Championship
- Sunderland’s current form: 4th in the Championship
- Head-to-head record: Coventry City has a slight advantage, with 24 wins to Sunderland’s 22.
Coventry City will be looking to build on their recent form, which has seen them pick up crucial wins against promotion rivals. Sunderland, on the other hand, will be aiming to maintain their push for automatic promotion.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure three points. The intense rivalry between the two clubs will only add to the excitement, making it a must-watch game for fans of both teams.
As Lampard prepares his team for the match, he will be aware of the importance of getting a result against Sunderland. A win would not only boost Coventry City’s promotion hopes but also extend Sunderland’s winless run in the West Midlands.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two teams with a rich history of rivalry. Will Coventry City be able to extend Sunderland’s winless run, or will the Black Cats finally break their duck in the West Midlands? Only time will tell.
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