CoventryLive’s expected lineup for Coventry City is revealed as Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner attempts to speculate as to Mark Robins’ probable starting lineup versus Bristol
This weekend, Coventry City will return to play in the Championship when they visit Bristol City, a team that has had a similar season to themselves. After splitting the first 11 games with 15 points apiece, both teams are currently positioned side by side in the middle of the table.
After winning two and losing two of their first five games at home, Nigel Pearson’s team is aiming for only their second victory at Ashton Gate. They have also scored seven goals and given up seven goals. In the meantime, the Sky Blues want to secure their second road victory, building on their previous away from the Coventry Building Society Arena, where they triumphed 3-1 against QPR.
Despite holding his cards close to the vest on the fitness of key midfield player Ben Sheaf, who had a “little setback” earlier in the week but is “not too far away” from a return, Mark Robins has persistent injury concerns. Assuming that Saturday arrives earlier than expected, the manager will have one of his toughest selection challenges this weekend.
However, let’s begin in the rear. Brad Collins is patiently waiting for his opportunity to prove himself after joining from Barnsley in the summer, but Ben Wilson has started every league game thus far, and there are no signs that this will change anytime soon.
As the center defender, Kyle McFadzean has been the staple, with two each from Bobby Thomas, Joel Latibeaudiere, Luis Binks, and Liam Kitching. Luis Binks was having a good run in the side before the Norwich game when he was rested, and Kitching was given his first start. Thomas is now in control on the right.
Milan van Ewijk, who made an impressive comeback to the team last time out by coming off the bench to set up the equalizing own goal, and Jay Dasilva, who is reliable on the left and is making his first reunion with his former team after starting every game ahead of rival Jake Bidwell, are both lock candidates for right wing-back. Nobuhiro
This leads us to the pitch’s sole true issue, which is the choice of Josh Eccles’ middle-of-the-park partner. Since Liam Kelly hobbled off against Blackburn with a hamstring strain, Jamie Allen has been used in that position. However, Robins said today that Latibeaudiere’s late appearance in the holding role against the Canaries has given him “food for thought.”
Although Sakamoto is an alternative, Yasin Ayari is nearly guaranteed to start behind the attackers at No. 10 if Allen is selected. However, if Latibeaudiere is given the opportunity to prove himself in the role he plays for Jamaica, Allen will have more time to play forward, where he may be more effective. In the midfield fight, Robins will need to exert as much energy and discipline as possible because City will be up against a squad that plays really quickly.
Given his strong work ethic and front-row pressuring, it is likely that Matty Godden will return to the starting lineup rather than choosing one of the two major
Ben Wilson, Bobby Thomas, Kyle McFadzean, Luis Binks; Milan van Ewijk, Josh Eccles, Joel Latibeaudiere, Jay Dasilva; Jamie Allen; Matty Godden, Ellis Simms is the predicted starting lineup for the Sky Blues.
