George Boateng backs Coventry City to beat ahead of Championship play-off clash with Sunderland

Former Ghana assistant coach George Boateng has thrown his support behind Coventry City ahead of their decisive Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Sunderland.

The Sky Blues travel to the Stadium of Light tonight trailing 2-1 on aggregate, following a narrow defeat in the first leg at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda secured Sunderland's first win over Coventry since 2007.

Boateng, who previously served as a first-team coach at Coventry, believes the team has what it takes to reach the Premier League.

“Beginning of the season, Sunderland were flying and playing good football with some outstanding young players and scoring goals. Then they had a number of injuries, which made them dip a bit," he told Flashscore.

"Since Sunderland qualified, they haven’t been in the best shape. I feel like in the playoffs, you can’t just pick your form. You have to be in form going into the playoffs then things happen automatically.

“Coventry is in good shape, although they had a difficult start when I was there. They have managed to pick up their performances, and the individual mistakes are a lot less. They deserve to be at the playoffs based on the way they have performed under Frank Lampard,” he added.

Boateng’s vote of confidence sets the tone for an exciting second-leg encounter, with Coventry aiming to overturn the deficit in front of a passionate away crowd.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will look to maintain their formidable home play-off record, having never lost a home leg in the Football League play-offs.

Still, Boateng believes Coventry’s recent near-misses could provide added motivation.

“Hopefully, they are able to go all the way. Two years ago, they lost the play-off final to Luton Town, and I am sure if they get that opportunity for a second time, they will know how to handle such a situation at Wembley.”