Coventry City will face West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening in a crucial Championship clash that could determine their fate in the relegation zone.
Despite West Brom being in the top six, only five points separate these two teams in the standings.
Match Preview
Coventry City had a promising start to the season, with just two defeats in their first 11 matches.
However, consecutive losses against Bristol City and Rotherham United, without scoring a goal, have left them in 20th position.
Their positive goal difference is a small consolation amid their struggle to find the back of the net, having scored only twice in four games, one of which was an own goal.
On the other hand, West Bromwich Albion, despite their off-field issues, have shown signs of being promotion contenders under Carlos Corberan.
With three wins in their last five games, including victories over struggling Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers, they currently sit in sixth place.
To secure a strong position for the second half of the campaign, West Brom knows the importance of accumulating points.
Noteworthy is West Brom’s solid defensive record, with five clean sheets in six league matches.
Their only defeat in eight encounters came in controversial fashion against Birmingham City.
Coventry City Championship form: D W W D L L
West Bromwich Albion Championship form: D W W L D W
Team News:
Coventry City manager Mark Robins is likely to make changes to his starting lineup, with Haji Wright potentially replacing either Ellis Simms or Matt Godden.
Bobby Thomas and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto are pushing for a return, but Callum O’Hare will not be considered for a start following his long-term absence.
Liam Kelly, Jamie Allen, and Kasey Palmer remain sidelined due to injury.
For West Brom, there may be caution regarding Cedric Kipre’s knee injury, although it is not as severe as initially feared.
Pipa or Darnell Furlong could deputize in a back three, with the other playing at wing-back, while Alex Mowatt might return to center-midfield in place of Okay Yokuslu.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Coventry City:
Wilson;
Latibeaudiere, McFadzean, Thomas;
Van Ewijk, Eccles, Sheaf, Dasilva;
Ayari;
Wright, Godden
West Bromwich Albion:
Palmer;
Pipa, Bartley, Pieters;
Furlong, Chalobah, Mowatt, Phillips;
Wallace, Diangana;
Thomas-Asante
Prediction:
While Coventry may have the potential to extend their solid form at home, West Brom’s growing confidence in this Championship season, coupled with a strong first-half performance, should give them the edge in this contest.
- We predict a 2-1 victory for West Bromwich Albion over Coventry City.