Given we've had three substitutions for injuries already in this match, the eight minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half doesn't seem a huge surprise.

Can either side pinch a goal before the break?

Adam Matthews doesn't enjoy his finest moment in the famous red and white of Sunderland, attempting a cross but instead sending the ball straight out of play to a large roar from the home fans.

We're marching towards half-time at the Ricoh Arena.

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Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin gathers the set-piece at the second attempt, having claimed he was fouled as he grasped at thin air in the first instance.

This has become proper niggly - but, alas, there's still not been much to write home about in terms of attempts on goal.

Now Lynden Gooch has gone down clutching his face, claiming he was caught by Sky Blues striker Jonson Clarke-Harris' arm as the pair jostled for a throw-in. If he was, there's very little in it and it certainly doesn't look to be intentional.

The pair are still in conversation as a second throw-in comes in, from which Coventry win a corner.

Another injury-enforced substitution before half-time!

Sunderland's Denver Hume, who took a tumble a few moments ago, is not going to be able to continue and Bryan Oviedo will come on in his place.

Sunderland are becoming increasingly frustrated with the referee but, given their relative control in this match, I'm not too sure why.

George Honeyman is the latest visiting player to give away a free-kick for a poor challenge on Luke Thomas.

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That's Lee Cattermole's fifth yellow card of the season and we're not even into October. Impressive.

He'll miss Sunderland's next match.

After a terrific period of Black Cats pressure, Coventry break down the left through Conor Chaplin.

He does well to work a crossing opportunity, but the chance comes to nothing.

Moments later, Lee Cattermole makes another poor challenge - his third in a few minutes - and this time does get a booking.

Ah, now this is a familiar sight.

After the corner comes to nothing, Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole puts in a late, late challenge that looks worthy of at least a yellow card.

Immediately he raises a hand of apology and a thumbs up to the referee, who lets him off the hook with only a word.

Sunderland are having a really good spell.

First Lynden Gooch works his way from right to left but can't get a shot away, before Chris Maguire's fierce drive is blocked brilliantly.

George Honeyman then has a pop from distance and it's deflected away for a corner.

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Josh Maja has made a lively start for Sunderland.

The 19-year-old has been on fire this season, scoring seven times in 11 appearances already in 2018-19 - but can't quite beat the offside trap here as Chris Maguire dinks a clever ball through to him.

That's lovely from Jonson-Clarke Harris, nutmegging Lee Cattermole and then fizzing a shot towards goal which Black Cats keeper Jon McLaughlin gathers low down to his left.

It's a shot on target, if nothing else.

Junior Brown has climbed to his feet but certainly looks a little dazed.

Coventry boss Mark Robins is going to have to make a change, as Tom Davies makes his way onto the field.

The set-piece isn't quite what they had planned, though, as Coventry pair Jonson Clarke-Harris and Junior Brown both go for the same ball and each end up in a heap on the floor.

Clarke-Harris is sitting up, at least, but there's a bit of concern over Brown, who continues to receive treatment.

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This is a bit more like it from the Sky Blues, who work the ball into a crossing position on the right and win the first corner of the match.

Unlucky!

Chris Maguire whips the free-kick low and hard towards the near post, but can only rattle the woodwork.

There's half an opportunity for George Honeyman on the follow-up, too, but he can't quite sort his feet out in time and loops his effort over the open net.

I've made it sound like a sitter, but the ball did come back at home quickly.

This League One contest is still very much in its 'feeling each other out' phase, although Chris Maguire attempts to latch onto a ball through only to be brought down by Dominic Hyam.

Hyam's booked and Sunderland have a decent chance from the free-kick here, about 25 yards out slightly to the right of goal.

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This doesn't look good for former Sheffield Wednesday defender Glenn Loovens, who appeared to clutch his hamstring after sending an early clearance long up the field.

He's not going to be risked and so Adam Matthews, who normally operates at right-back, comes on in his place.

The Black Cats, who beat Rochdale 4-1 in their last match, have settled marginally the better in the West Midlands sunshine.

There's a pause in play, however, as Sunderland centre-half Glenn Loovens is down receiving treatment.

It must be said, this game certainly doesn't feel third-tier. The Ricoh Arena is buzzing and the Sunderland supporters, as they always do, have travelled in serious numbers.

The visitors, in their familiar red and white stripes, get us up and running.