Leicester City have endured a dismal run of form in the Championship, having lost three games on the bounce.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are now beginning to look over their shoulders, as the chasing pack close their lead at the top.
The table-toppers are three points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town and five ahead of Leeds United, who occupy third place.
So, heading into the final 11 games of the season, City must return to winning ways and build some momentum.
They travel to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening, as they face Mike Dodds’ Sunderland side, who are in a tricky patch themselves.
The North East club have suffered four consecutive defeats and their play-off hopes look to be in major jeopardy.
So, it seems The Foxes are catching Sunderland at a good time, though, they’ll need to improve defensively in order to gain a positive result.
Enzo Maresca must consider turning to Conor Coady
Leicester have shipped seven goals in their last three league games and have looked shakey at the back for the first time this season.
A mentality issue has been banded around in the City sphere, with many pointing to the number of late goals conceded.
So with that said, perhaps Maresca should consider turning to veteran defender Conor Coady, who would provide much-needed experience to the side.
With Jannik Vestergaard serving the last of his two-match suspension, Coady could partner with Wout Faes at the back.
Ben Nelson started in the defeat at QPR, and whilst the young defender did no wrong, it left City a little inexperienced.
Coady has been down this road before and has the know-how to see out a Championship promotion race, having done so with Wolves.
Enzo Maresca aware of Conor Coady’s importance
Maresca is well aware of Coady’s importance to the group and has previously spoken of his ability to be a role model for others.
Speaking in July, the former Manchester City assistant said: “A good signal from the club. They (Coady and Harry Winks) are both very important players, not only in terms of quality, but also we are looking for players who can be examples for the young players.
“Conor is one of those guys, even Harry. The idea is to bring in more players with quality, not only on the pitch, but also that can help us build something important. Most of us are worried about what happens tomorrow, but we have to look forward.”
It’d be harsh to drop Nelson, who was actually one of City’s best performers in the defeat to QPR, but Coady’s inclusion would massively help his side’s game management, particularly towards the latter stages.