Considering how poorly his Coventry players have performed thus far in the campaign, Mark Robins may be looking to the transfer window for encouraging additions.
After losing the second-tier playoff final to Luton Town at Wembley, where Mark Robins’ team cruelly lost out on the lottery of penalties, Coventry City struggled to gain traction this season. Last season, Luton Town achieved an incredible promotion at the expense of the Sky Blues.
Robins’ team was always going to be impacted by the loss of important players like Victor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer, as Coventry has only won three of their first 16 second-tier games this season since the former stars left the west Midlands team.
If all goes according to plan, Robins may view the January transfer window as a chance to bolster his struggling team considerably. This projected Sky Blues lineup is not unfeasible.
GK – Ben Wilson
Wilson has struggled in goal for the struggling Sky Blues the past few games; as a result, he was completely removed from Robins’ first-team plans for the goalless draw against Stoke City.
The seasoned custodian will be hoping to be selected by his manager for upcoming Championship games after turning in some subpar performances lately to establish himself as a trustworthy presence in goal.
RB – Joel Latibeaudiere
Having spent his entire career primarily playing centre back, the 23-year-old has frequently been moved to right back for his new team since moving to the CBS Arena.
Latibeaudiere, who has played in all 16 of Coventry’s games this season in the second division, will continue to start at right back for his team going forward, particularly if Robins decides to add more players to the central defence.
CB – Cameron Humphreys
Coventry may rekindle interest in the 25-year-old defender to capitalise on the South Yorkshire team’s current situation. Coventry was previously in the running for the current Rotherham United defender before he moved to the Millers last year.
A deal for Humphreys might once again be on the table because the Sky Blues, who have conceded 21 goals in their last 16 second-tier games, do indeed need new legs in the defence.
The fact that their former Manchester City player is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, however, may provide some solace for Rotherham, as the Robins may decide not to risk pursuing the 25-year-old again in January.
CB – Bobby Thomas
Thomas, who was acquired this summer along with regular center-back partner Liam Kitching, who isn’t included in his projected starting lineup, has done well enough for the Sky Blues thus far after joining them from Burnley.
Last time out against Stoke, Thomas won four of his five aerial duels on the day, showing bravery and resoluteness from the back to help his team record an uncommon clean sheet, according to Sofascore.
LB – Jake Bidwell
As he enters his third consecutive season at Coventry, Bidwell ought to be kept in the starting lineup come January, despite Robins’ temptation to add more full-backs to his roster during the transfer window.
Although Bidwell hasn’t started many games for the Sky Blues this season, he might see an increase in playing time following a strong performance against the Potters last time out. According to Sofascore, the expansive full-back made five of his 12 crosses in the game, trying to help his team break the 0-0 stalemate.
CDM – Josh Eccles
Ever since Hamer left to join the Blades, Eccles has become even more crucial to the Sky Blues, as the west Midlanders needed a new central hero.
For Robins’ team this season, Coventry’s number 28 has been incredibly reliable, even though the Sky Blues haven’t performed to the level that was anticipated of them all.
Eccles has so far earned an average Sofascore rating of 7.28 from all Championship games. Recently, at the New York Stadium, Eccles put on a remarkable performance against Rotherham United, winning four tackles.
CDM – Ben Sheaf
As with keeping midfield partner Eccles in check throughout the whole game, Sheaf will hold his position even if Robins searches for a new midfield face in January.
According to Sofascore, Sheaf amassed an incredible 100 touches at Deepdale against Preston. He was also excellent when making forward runs for his team, as evidenced by the success of five of his seven dribble attempts.
RM – Ellis Simms
Simms, who was used as an unconventional winger option against Alex Neil’s team in Championship action last time out, may be a frequent option down the channels in the upcoming weeks due to his quickness and proactive approach with the ball.
The 22-year-old former Everton player will stay and hopes to soon develop into a dependable goalscorer for the Sky Blues, even from down the wing. He has only scored twice since making the switch to the CBS Arena.
CAM – Callum Styles
The Sky Blues should think about signing Callum Styles as a possible replacement for the aforementioned Hamer. If Robins continues to use the 4-2-3-1 formation, he might be the best player for Coventry in central attacking midfield. The Hungary international is desperate for a chance to play in the second division after being stranded in Barnsley’s confines.
Styles’ ceiling is debatably higher than League One, and since Jamie Allen hasn’t performed up to par for the Robins this season, a like-for-like swap involving the current Tykes number 20 could be considered.
LM – Haji Wright
It has taken Wright some time to settle into the Coventry team, but the American attacker has shown promise recently, scoring two goals in a 3-2 loss to Preston while playing up top.
Wright, on the other hand, was just as successful down the left side against Stoke; he was unfortunate not to end the tie, squandering two chances, according to Sofascore.
ST – Colby Bishop
Colby Bishop, a star striker for Portsmouth who was previously with Accra, is the third potential addition the Robins could make in the upcoming transfer window. Bishop is currently leading the League One pacesetters in goals scored per week.
Bishop has scored ten goals in 16 games so far. Coventry will be hoping that their strategy of luring League One strikers—which has previously worked with Matty Godden—pays off once more. Bishop deserves a higher level of play to see if he can handle the rigours of the second division.
