Coventry City and Bristol City will face off at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday night, resuming their Championship campaigns after settling for FA Cup replays.
Coventry City had a close call against Sheffield Wednesday, almost securing progression before conceding a late equalizer. Bristol City, on the other hand, played out a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Match preview
Coventry City will return to their East Midlands base following their clashes with Sheffield Wednesday, earning three points for their second-tier total and a place in the FA Cup fifth-round draw. However, a replay between the sides is scheduled for next month.
In their recent match, Dane Victor Torp made his debut for Coventry City and scored a sensational long-range strike to put them in control of the tie. However, Sheffield Wednesday managed to force a draw with a late equalizer.
If Coventry City wins their fourth-round replay in early February, they will face sixth-tier Maidstone United. But for now, they must refocus on Championship matters, as they enjoy a nine-game unbeaten run in the second tier.
After some initial struggles this season, Coventry City has seen an upturn in form from new signings, allowing them to climb to sixth place in the standings, just two points behind fifth-place West Bromwich Albion.
Bristol City secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League visitors were arguably fortunate to escape unscathed in a match where Nottingham Forest’s Matt Turner was the busier goalkeeper.
While Bristol City had a promising three-game winning streak over Sunderland, Hull City, and Watford during the festive period, they have since experienced a four-match winless run in the Championship, halting their charge towards the playoffs.
Bristol City’s struggles in front of goal have been evident, scoring only three goals in seven matches across all competitions since the turn of the year.
Team News
Coventry City will be without their leading marksman Haji Wright due to a groin injury. Matt Godden and Ellis Simms will continue to provide an attacking threat for the hosts.
Dane Victor Torp, who scored a sensational goal on his debut, could make his Championship debut. Josh Eccles is also a candidate to partner Ben Sheaf in midfield.
Milan van Ewijk and Bobby Thomas are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in the previous match.
Bristol City will be missing Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith due to hamstring strains. However, Scott Twine, who scored on his debut, is likely to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Possible starting lineups
Coventry City: (4-5-1)
Collins;
Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell;
Sakamoto, Sheaf, Eccles, Palmer, O’Hare;
Simms
Bristol City: (3-5-1)
O’Leary;
Tanner, Vyner, Dickie;
McCrorie, Williams, James, Pring, Knight, Twine;
Conway
Prediction: Coventry City 2-0 Bristol City
Coventry City has been in fine form at home, scoring nine goals in their last two matches at the CBS Arena. With Bristol City struggling to find the back of the net, we predict a 2-0 victory for Coventry City as they extend their unbeaten run.
