Well back in August we gave Coventry a tonking at home with a 4:0 win helped by the fact they were down to ten men after the sending-off of Hughes towards the end of the first half. Gareth O’Connor and Wayne Thomas getting two of the goals with a brace from Ade Akinbiyi [Sob!] in the last three minutes.
Now we have the chance of a return battle and a brand, new Stadium to go and watch the game-The Ricoh Arena!
This game however is unlikely to follow a similar pattern with a change in fortunes for the two clubs. Coventry are now one place above us in 12th and have won 6 of their last 7 matches at home.Our last away win was back in November against Leicester! Lets hope that changes and we can reverse our recent fortunes against another Midlands club!
One big issue is whether Kyle Lafferty, recently recalled from Darlington will start in this game perhaps partnering Michael Ricketts in 4:4:2. He is more likely however to be on the bench and the question is will the struggling Gifton Noel Williams have any part to play in this match? We may decide to play with just Michael up front in the more defensive 4:5:1.
Our defence also has problems with suspensions for both John McGreal and Wayne Thomas. The good news however is that Frank Sinclair returns after sitting out the last two matches of his suspension.However,Steve Cotterill could also be without Garreth O’Connor due to a knee injury.
Coventry however also have their problems with injuries and suspensions. Gary McSheffrey begins a two match ban and defender, Adie Williams is also suspended. However, Robert Page returns from suspension and is likely to fill in for Williams. Left sided defender Marcus Hall is also expected to return after his recovery from injury. Some of you may have been looking forward to seeing our former loan player, Richard Duffy play for Coventry but he is out injured with a knee problem, along with Stephen Hughes (Achilles) and Isaac Osbourne (knee).
The danger man for Coventry may well be that old controversial figure of Denis Wise, who at the age of 39 has somehow managed to get 5 goals in the last six games!
Looks like an evenly matched game and I will be visiting a new arena for the first time which is always fun but lets hope we can get something out of this. Its been a torrid last couple of months. I would love to see Kyle play alongside Michael Ricketts and offer a new approach but lets see how the action unfolds.
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